HALIFAX - The president of Nova Scotia's fine arts university is stepping down at the end of this academic year.
David Smith announced today he will leave the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax at a time when the 125-year-old art school struggles with financial problems.
In a statement, Smith said he would continue working to come up with a sustainability plan for the province that would ensure the school's autonomy.
Smith rejected a recommendation last December to merge his financially strapped school with another institution to keep NSCAD afloat.
The move came after the province committed a one-time cash injection to cover a projected $2.4-million deficit at the school.
The school is expected to deliver a fiscal plan to the provincial government by March 31 on how it plans to become fiscally sustainable.
It is the oldest independent school in Canada granting fine arts degrees and has an enrolment of about 1,000 students.
The chairman of the school's board of directors says an interim president will be appointed as they look for a new president.
