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Celebrating 25 years of impactful education, the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Renaissance College honours its legacy while looking toward a bright future as it evolves into the School of Leadership Studies.

Founded in 2000, the College was a first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada. Today, it remains a trailblazer in leadership education continuously adapting to meet society's needs, and preparing students to become community-engaged, innovative and ethical leaders.

"Renaissance College becoming the School of Leadership Studies is an exciting milestone for UNB," said Dr. Petra Hauf, provost and vice president academic at UNB. "More than a name change, this represents a bold new vision—one that reflects an evolving mission and expanded programming that will play a vital role in shaping future leaders. I look forward to the opportunities it will create for our students."

The original name, Renaissance College, was inspired by the interdisciplinary mindset and communal focus of Renaissance-era thinkers. This philosophy remains at the heart of the School of Leadership Studies. Its undergraduate and graduate programs will continue to emphasize interdisciplinary learning, experiential education and community engagement—key components of leadership in today's complex world.

The School’s small class sizes will remain, creating a unique educational experience and cultivating a tight-knit university and alumni community.

“The Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership program was pivotal in my early career journey, empowerment and self-discovery,” said Bethany Pohl, Renaissance College alum. “I’m pleased that the spirit and intent of the College remains firmly intact, while the name is changed to reflect a more modern understanding of what positive leadership may look like.”

This evolution aligns with UNB's Toward 2030 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes transformative education and community engagement. As a leader in these areas, the School of Leadership Studies plays an integral role in advancing these priorities.

“As someone who has had the privilege of leading RC through five years of challenges, achievements and growths, I am very excited about this new chapter,” said Dr. Carol Nemeroff, dean of the School of Leadership Studies. “In the 25 years since our founding, both the world and the requirements of leadership have seen substantial changes. By embracing a future-oriented vision for the next 25 years, we will continue to prepare leaders oriented toward ‘changing the world through connection and community’.”

Learn more about the School of Leadership Studies.

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Kathleen McLaughlin
Media Relations Strategist
University of New Brunswick
talktous@unb.ca