Honorary doctorate for exceptional NS educator

By RON FANFAIR
Noted educator Karen Hudson, whose exceptional commitment over several decades to post-secondary learning for African Nova Scotians, has been conferred with an honorary degree by Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia.
As Principal of Auburn Drive High School in Dartmouth, Hudson demonstrates visionary leadership. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Development, a Bachelor of Education and multiple master’s degrees, Hudson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
In 2018, she pioneered the first Africentric Cohort in math and literacy within a public school. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to empower students by infusing Afrocentric concepts into the curriculum.
A year later, the Learning Partnership recognized Hudson as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for her innovative work. She has actively assisted in expanding Africentric Cohorts to other Nova Scotia institutions, including Horton High, Woodlawn High and Citadel High.
Beyond her educational leadership, she is deeply involved in community engagement. She has received the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Award, the Provincial Family Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.
Her passion for social justice, youth leadership, and international development drives Hudson’s active participation in various organizations. She is Interim President of the Black Educators Association (BEA) and volunteers with the Africentric Learning Institute (ALI), Black History Month Committee, Indigenous and Mi’kmaq Initiative (IBM), and Cherry Brook United Baptist Church. She is also the former African Nova Scotian representative for the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia (PSAANS).
Her groundbreaking work in Afrocentric math programming has positively impacted African Nova Scotian students, including those at Saint Mary’s. Her commitment to addressing inequality, social justice, historical erasure and educational disparity demonstrates her leadership and integrity.
“Ms. Hudson’s long record of professional accomplishment reflects her commitment to academic growth, intercultural learning and diversity excellence,” said the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Her dedication to educational equity and community service exemplifies the values of Saint Mary’s University, and her impact on students’ lives is immeasurable.”