Student Advisor

Black Student Support, Guidance and Empowerment

Black Student Advising, under Student Affairs and Services, is a hub of services, connections and opportunities for Black/African students within the Saint Mary’s community.

The Black Student Advisor is a community liaison to the broader Black/African Nova Scotian community, and assists in connecting students with resources on campus, to ensure Black/African students have appropriate supports, programs, activities, and resources, while navigating their student success journeys!

The Black Student Advisor:

  • Connects students with Academic Advisors to explore degree options and requirements.
  • Supports students as they navigate internal policies, academic or otherwise
  • Provides guidance, support and referrals to campus and community resources
  • Helps to coordinate the development of cultural initiatives, engagements and programming
  • Furthers academic achievement through collaborative student success programming
  • Supports student-led initiatives and events
  • Promotes Black/African bursaries, awards and scholarships 

To connect with the Black Student Advisor, email  blackstudent.advisor@smu.caor book an appointment through or drop by room 301A on the third floor of the O'Donnell Hennessy Student Centre.

Meet Ebun Oladele

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that Ebun Oladele MA’21 will be stepping into the role of Interim Black Student Advisor in Student Affairs and Services (SAAS).

Black Student Advisor sitting in front of window, smiling

Ebun has been a valued member of the Saint Mary’s community for the past 3.5 years, serving as Secretary in the Marketing and Economics Departments and, most recently, as the Service Learning Coordinator in Experiential Learning. She holds Master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s University and from the University of Ulster, in Northern Ireland. She also brings an expansive wealth of knowledge and experience that spans Nigeria, Northern Ireland and Canada.

As an employee and former student of Saint Mary’s, Ebun's unique perspectives and experiences make her well-suited for the position. “I can relate to and understand a lot of the experiences some of our Black students are currently facing,” notes Ebun. “And I am equally aware of current processes and resources that are not entirely meeting the needs of our Black students. This role will allow me to advocate for enhanced resources, representation and support for our Black students.”

Ebun is particularly passionate about breaking down the institutional barriers that have historically limited access to opportunities for Black students. With a focus on academic empowerment, she hopes to champion initiatives that augment the educational experiences and outcomes of students, while creating programs that unite the culturally rich and diverse Black student community at Saint Mary’s.

Ebun is also committed to establishing dedicated spaces for Black students, recognizing this as a crucial factor in fostering a sense of belonging and overall success. “I’m passionate about engaging with students and creating spaces where they feel safe and empowered,” says Ebun. “Having access to a space that feels supportive can have a direct impact on students’ academic achievements, personal growth, mental health and emotional well-being. I’m excited to support students, as they explore and navigate resources, helping them create a positive journey here at Saint Mary’s.”