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Recruitment and Enrolment Team

Contact us to learn more about academic programs, campus tours, and admissions requirements for Canadian and International students.

Phone: 902-420-5415
Email: recruitment@smu.ca

Meet our Recruitment & Enrolment Specialists

Luke serves students within the Halifax Regional Municipality. 

Luke.McOnie@smu.ca 

May is a woman with long brown hair with highlights. She wears a white shirt.

May serves students in Nova Scotia outside of Halifax, the Cape Breton and Strait regions, and CSAP schools. 

May.Zaw@smu.ca 

Olivia is a white woman with long red hair. She wears a black shirt and blazer.

What’s one thing you love about SMU campus?

I come from a smaller town and initially felt overwhelmed by the idea of moving to Halifax. I found that Saint Mary's offers a great. The campus is the perfect size, located in a quieter part of the city, but still just a 15-minute walk to the city center.

What’s one piece of advice you always give future students?

University is a fresh start. It's an opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and step out of your comfort zone. Join clubs that interest you, and don't hesitate to leave your residence door open during the first few days to meet your neighbors. Push yourself to be social during those first few weeks!

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were applying to university?

I wish I had known that I didn't need to have everything figured out right away. There are so many career paths I never even knew existed, and university is the perfect time to explore different areas of study. In fact, many students end up switching their major, so it’s okay to take your time and discover what truly interests you.

If you could take any course at SMU for fun, what would it be and why?

It would be a tie between CRIM 4542: Serial Murder, because I’ve recently started listening to a lot of true crime podcasts and I find the psychology and investigation behind it fascinating, and ENGL 1260: What Not to Wear, because I’ve always been curious about fashion and how it reflects personal identity and culture.


Olivia serves students in the Cape Breton and Strait regions of Nova Scotia, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

Olivia.MacPherson@smu.ca 

Griffin is a white man with blond hair. He wears a grey sweater.

Why did you join the recruitment team?

I want to help students have the same great academic and social experience that I enjoyed at my time in Saint Mary's.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were applying to university?

I wish I knew about the benefits of the co-op program. It provides a great introduction to the real world and helps you form some incredible connections before graduation.

What is a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

Playing hockey, watching soccer and reading.

What is your favourite book that you would recommend to students?

The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoyevsky 


Griffin serves students at English-speaking high schools in New Brunswick.

Griffin.Radford@smu.ca 

Maggie with a white woman with long blonde hair. She wears a maroon cardigan and has glasses.

Maggie serves students within Ontario.

Maggie.Kelly@smu.ca 

Ashleigh is a white woman with long blonde hair. She wears a collared shirt and black blazer.

What’s one thing you love about SMU campus? 

I love that SMU is nestled into one city block and surrounded with lots of greenery. A sunny walk around campus provides the perfect study break!

What’s your favourite extracurricular at SMU? 

Skating and playing hockey at the Dauphinee Centre.

If you could take any course at SMU for fun, what would it be and why? 

Marketing & Consumer Behaviour. I think exploring marketing in an interdisciplinary way would be both exciting and interesting.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 

Antarctica! In high school we had a motivational speaker address the graduating class. He shared photos of himself water skiing in every continent, and I've wanted to visit ever since. I'd be interested to learn more about the impacts of travel to a sensitive area like Antarctica. 


Ashleigh serves students in Western Canada and the Territories (BC, AB, MB, SK, NT, NU, YU) and the United States.

Ashleigh.Baxter@smu.ca

Dinah is a Black woman with long curly brown hair. She wears a blue and white shirt and headband

What’s one thing you love about Halifax or the SMU campus?

I love how the entire campus is interconnected. During the cold winter months, you can comfortably navigate the whole campus without ever needing to step outside. The campus has a great layout, and you can easily move from building to building, whether you're heading to class, the library, or meeting friends.

What’s one piece of advice you always give future students?

Take advantage of all the resources available to you, whether it’s academic help, career services or extracurriculars. Make sure to seek out academic support when needed, and don’t hesitate to use the mentorship programs that can help guide you through your studies and beyond.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

South Africa and the Philippines. South Africa offers a rich mix of culture, history and natural beauty. The diversity in landscapes and experiences makes it a place I’ve always wanted to explore, and I would love to visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. The Philippines, on the other hand, draws me in with its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and the fact that it’s made up of over 7,000 islands. The friendly people and amazing culture make it a top destination for me.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have hiked the second-highest active volcano in the world called Volcano Cotopaxi located in Ecuador! It was an incredibly unique and challenging experience that taught me a lot about my own limits and the beauty of stepping outside my comfort zone.


Dinah serves students in French-speaking areas of Canada.

Dinah.Ejigu@smu.ca 

Maria has curly brown hair and glasses. She wears a colourful shirt and Saint Mary's cardigan

Why did you join the recruitment team?
I am passionate about education. With an ever-changing world filled with uncertainty, I firmly believe our future is in the hands of the younger generations. And for them to have the right tools, education is the most appropriate path.

What’s your favourite memory from your own university experience?
There are so many great memories. One that stands out would be going to International Night. It was such a great way to experience other cultures and make new friends from different parts of the world.

What’s one thing you love SMU campus?
I love how interconnected it is, and all the amenities and services you can find in it. It is also very conveniently located within the city.

What’s one piece of advice you always give future students?
Do co-op! This is a great way to start building your resume, while still completing a degree. This can give students a great advantage upon finishing their degrees.


Maria serves mature, upgrading and visiting students.

Maria.Ortega@smu.ca 

Maya coordinates on-campus recruitment events, including Open House and group tours.

Maya.Schneiderbanger@smu.ca 

Kristen is a white woman with brown hair. She wears black glasses and a black turtleneck sweater

Why did you join the recruitment team?

I joined the recruitment team because I love connecting with students and helping them find their path. University is such an exciting chapter, and I enjoy being part of their journey.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were applying to university?

It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. University is a time to explore your interests and discover what truly excites you.

What’s your favourite memory from your own university experience?

Studying abroad in Europe was unforgettable, especially because my classroom was inside a castle! Learning in historic and inspiring settings was such a unique and enriching part of my education. It really broadened my horizons.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’ve been skydiving twice! It’s one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve had.


Kristen is currently on leave