Directors

Robyn McCallum – Chair – Class of ’13 and ’17

Robyn graduated from Dal AC in 2013 with a BSc (Agr) in Animal Science and obtained her PhD (biology) through Dalhousie University. Throughout her studies, she was actively involved in student government, including serving as president of the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association for three years. Upon her undergrad graduation, Robyn was named life president of her graduating class. Robyn is based in northeastern New Brunswick and grows crops and exhibits Belgian horses with her family. Robyn is currently Change and Communications Specialist with the Government of New Brunswick.

Brian Crouse – Vice Chair – Class of ’75

Now happily retired, Brian Crouse is serving his second term on the board of directors, and currently serves as vice chair. Following 10 years with the NS Department of Agriculture, AC grads from 1986 and later will remember his varied career with Student Services. A long-time canvasser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, he was proud this year to be the top fundraiser in Nova Scotia during the February Heart Month campaign. Brian enjoys serving on the Alumni Association’s board as it provides the opportunity to keep connected with campus, alumni, and the students and families he worked with over the years.

Nathan Murray – Secretary – Class of ’11

Nathan grew up on his family’s hog and potato farm in Borden-Carleton, PE, and graduated from NSAC with an agricultural business degree in 2011. As a student, Nathan was active in campus life, serving as both VP finance and president of Students’ Union (now DASA). Upon graduation he was elected life president of his class. Since 2012, he has been living in Regina, SK, where he works in IT at FCC.

Shelly Juurlink – Class of ’01 and ’04

Shelly graduated from NSAC in 2001 with a BSc (Agr), in 2004 with an MSc (Agr) in Animal Science and in 2010 with a Co-op Management Certificate (CMC) from the Schulich School of Business at York University. During her years at NSAC, she was active on several committees and was a member of the Woodsmen team. Over the years, she has held a variety of agricultural related positions working with farmers in various places including Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and West Africa. Currently, Shelly and her husband, Perry, live in Fall River with their two children.

Robert Larsen – Class of ’21

Robert graduated from Dal AC in 2021 with a BSc (Agr) in Agricultural Business. Throughout his studies, he was actively involved in many different aspects of campus life; most notably on judging team and serving three terms as vice president finance and operations, including a semester as interim president, of the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association. Upon graduation, Robert was elected life president of his class. He farms alongside his family on their beef cattle feedlot and agri-services operation, Norring Road Custom, in PEI. Passionate about board governance, Robert currently volunteers with four boards of directors, in addition to serving as an executive committee member of the PEI Federation of Agriculture and as Vice Chair of 4-H Canada.

Dale McIsaac – Class of ’73

Dale was raised on a potato and beef farm in Florenceville, New Brunswick. After graduating from high school, he attended NSAC, graduating in 1973. He then attended Macdonald College of McGill University, graduating in 1975. In his career, Dale has worked for government and private industry in Atlantic Canada as seed potato specialist, horticulturist, and maple and wild blueberry extension specialist. Dale is now retired and lives in Truro. He enjoys volunteering, hiking, reading, and visiting with family and friends in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Toronto.

Geneve (Gardner) Newcombe – Class of ’86

Geneve graduated from NSAC in 1986 with a BSc (Agr) in Animal Science. Geneve and her husband Craig (Class of ‘86) reside in Port Williams, NS where they operate Cornwallis Farms Ltd along with Craig’s brother Brian and wife, Edna. Geneve and Craig have three adult children, one of whom is also an NSAC graduate.

Mark Rose – Class of ’06 and ’09

Mark grew up in Northeastern Newfoundland and graduated from NSAC with an animal science degree in 2006. Not growing up around agriculture, Mark found his love for agriculture and in particular the dairy industry thanks to the years spent at NSAC. In 2009 he graduated with a MSc (Agr) focused on ruminant nutrition. Mark works with Lely North America as Farm Management Support specializing in their automated feeding products. He and his wife Beth (Class of ’07) live in East Hants, NS.

Breagh Ross – Class of ’15

Bre graduated from Dal AC in 2015 with a BSc (Agr) in environmental sciences. Throughout her studies, she was actively involved in campus life, including being captain of the Woodsmen team, social coordinator of Chapman House, and Off Campus president. Since 2015 she has been working with Farm Credit Canada and is currently located in Kentville, NS.