Several times each semester, President Lahey brings a King’s alum to have lunch in the lodge with current students. Together, they enjoy a delicious meal and casual conversation. This month Pres. Lahey invites students to join him in a meal with former teacher, administrator, coach, math specialist, and now Director of the African Canadian Services Branch at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Melina Kennedy.
Melina Kennedy, BSc’08, was raised in East Preston, a historically African Nova Scotian community. As a child and youth, she was actively involved in several community organizations, including the Girl Guides, Baptist Youth Fellowship, the Boys and Girls Club of Preston and the East Preston Pacers Basketball Organization.
Melina earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics, along with a Certificate in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics, through the University of King’s College in affiliation with Dalhousie University. She then completed a Bachelor of Education at St. Francis Xavier University, specializing in Mathematics, Science and French Immersion.
As a teacher, Melina taught Mathematics, Science, Health, English, Social Studies and Core French at the junior high level in both English and French Immersion programs. During this time, she continued her education, completing a Master of Education in Lifelong Learning with a concentration in Africentric Policy and Research. She graduated as valedictorian of her class.
Throughout her teaching career, Melina also coached volleyball, basketball and track and field. Following her success in the classroom, she became a Mathematics Intervention Teacher with the former Halifax Regional School Board. After completing the Leadership Program (now known as the Aspiring School Administrator Program), she served as a Vice Principal before moving into provincial roles as a Mathematics Specialist and later Provincial Mathematics Lead with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. She has also taught pre-service teachers at Mount Saint Vincent University. Melina now serves as Director of the African Canadian Services Branch at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Melina attributes her achievements to her strong family roots, deep community connections and the loving support of her daughter and husband. Committed to giving back, she is the Chair of the Board of Directors for BGC Preston (formerly the Boys & Girls Club of Preston) and has served as an active member of the Black Educators Association Executive. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Melina enjoys travelling and has visited 25 countries across six continents.
Please email Interim Alumni Relations Manager Candice MacDonald at candice.macdonald@ukings.ca to reserve your spot at the table. The first ten students to RSVP will get a seat. Please also indicate if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies in your email.
