Provost Neil MacKinnon connects his career path to his family-oriented roots

Neil MacKinnon is truly a down-to-earth, career-minded yet family-oriented individual who gives leadership a whole new meaning. (photo courtesy of Neil MacKinnon)

By Kiara Heffner | Contributor

You can often tell a lot about a person when you take time to understand where he or she comes from, the core values that shape one’s identity, and the people who influence his or her decision-making on a daily basis. Augusta University’s new provost, Neil MacKinnon, proves to be more than a title. He is truly a down-to-earth, career-minded yet family-oriented individual who gives leadership a whole new meaning.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada with a remarkable background in research and dean of the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati, MacKinnon is excited to implement everything he’s learned along the way by connecting with the community and happily going the extra mile to contribute to the growth and success of Augusta University.

“My job is to really ask people what their dreams are for the university and what do they need,” said MacKinnon. “It’s important for me to be connected...and it’s the students that keep me grounded.”

When most people think of this role, they assume it’s someone calling the shots without actually engaging those being served. MacKinnon breaks this mold by continuously meeting faculty and students where they are with a willingness to listen, gain perspective, and cultivate relationships beyond the office. For example, he asked all 10 AU deans to find a place in the curriculum for him to be involved and taught one of his first classes in dentistry. He’s set up a tour to meet and visit each college department for more interaction and engagement.

“When the president and I were negotiating, I asked him if I could keep my research program and he agreed, which is not typical for a provost,” MacKinnon explained. “As a dean in Cincinnati, I learned it’s important to have it when researchers or students are perhaps having challenges so then I can relate.”

MacKinnon has even hosted lunch meetings to be involved with students and staff to give them the opportunity to express ways to continuously improve the campus culture and offer students an unforgettable college experience.  He really wants each student to know they are truly more than a number and their voices matter at AU.

MacKinnon consistently operates from this heart of empathy, not only in the workplace but also in his own home. He emphasizes that success in his career is directly tied to the strong bond he has with his wife and kids.

“Your career and life is so intertwined. It’s kind of like a DNA helix and if one part gets separated the whole thing falls apart,” MacKinnon explained. “I’m not perfect, but I try to put a lot of focus on this and I even do workshops and plan to do them with undergrad and grad students at AU.”

MacKinnon is a strong believer in leading by example and practicing what you preach. Consequently, he makes sure to remain very active in raising his daughters and being a part of their developmental processes, especially through support of their extracurricular activities. MacKinnon glady celebrates his remarkable Dance Dad status earned from his daughter, Breagh, a three-time United States national champion in Scottish highland dancing, a highly competitive sport.  MacKinnon has been sure to instill the necessity of humility within his children as he lives it out in such a high working position.

“You can’t let stuff get to your head. Just because you have a lot of education doesn’t make you better than someone else,” said MacKinnon. “You have to remain grounded and my Christian faith helps me, my wife and daughters with the ultimate example of humility.”

One of MacKinnon’s favorite books is “The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick M. Lencioni. The New York Times best-seller names three characteristics of a person who looks out for everyone's best interest, which include humility, emotional intelligence and hunger or passion. He notes that these traits keep him rooted in the demands of the provost role.

Moving forward, MacKinnon will devote himself and his primary leadership team to these values while aiming toward new University goals such as President Brooks A. Keel’s 16,000 students by 2030, adding more research programs and creating a beautiful AU family atmosphere through diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I plan to create a culture where people feel included and also where people will thrive, considering Covid and social issues,” MacKinnon stated. “I plan to hire more diverse faculty with a diverse student body.  They need to see more people that look like them.”