Mount Allison University has announced that George L. Cooper – chief executive officer and Moncton-based partner at Cox & Palmer, a law firm based in Atlantic Canada – will serve as its 10th chancellor for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
In its news release, the university described Cooper as a highly regarded legal and community leader who has established a respectable legal career, made significant contributions to public and community service, and demonstrated a commitment to education, access to justice, and the development of emerging leaders.
“George Cooper exemplifies leadership rooted in service, integrity, and a deep connection to the Mount Allison community,” said Cheryl Hodder in the news release. “As a graduate, long-time supporter, and former Chair of our Board, he brings a thoughtful and values-driven approach that aligns beautifully with the spirit of this institution.”
Hodder, a 1981 graduate of the university and chair of its board of regents, has served as chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chancellor of Mount Allison University, a place that has played such a formative role in my life,” Cooper added. “Mount Allison’s tradition of academic excellence, close-knit community, and commitment to developing principled leaders is something I have always cherished.”
The news release noted that Cooper will succeed Lynn Loewen, a member of the class of 1982, whom the university thanked for her service in the role since 2018.
“I look forward to working with students, alumni, faculty, and staff to help advance the University’s mission and celebrate its achievements in the years ahead,” Cooper said.
More on Cooper
Cooper’s biography on Cox & Palmer’s website provides more information regarding his professional experience and educational background.
He commenced his legal career with Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto, where he worked on commercial and insolvency litigation. He discussed his move from Stikeman Elliott’s Bay Street office to Cox and Palmer in a Q&A with Canadian Lawyer.
Cooper’s commercial litigation and transaction practice focuses on disputes, transactions, and arbitrations regarding bankruptcy and insolvency, commercial financing, securities and secured transactions, product liability, natural resources and energy, insurance, and crisis management.
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has recognized him as a leading practitioner in insolvency litigation, banking law, corporate commercial litigation, director/officer liability litigation, and product liability litigation.
Cooper has acted for chartered banks, manufacturers, insurers, and numerous other commercial entities. He has appeared before courts across New Brunswick, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, as well as the Ontario Securities Commission and other tribunals and boards.
The university’s news release noted that he has chaired Mount Allison’s board of regents and the Romeo LeBlanc Greater Moncton International Airport Authority’s board. He has held governance and volunteer roles and taught frequently as a lecturer and mentor.
Cooper joined the bars in Ontario in 1995 and in New Brunswick in 1998. He earned his LLM from the University of Cambridge, his LLB from the University of New Brunswick, and his BA (honours) from Mount Allison University in 1989.