Tiffany MacLennan is a strong advocate for a higher education that is accessible, affordable, and of the highest possible quality. Through the McKenna Fellowship, Tiffany is working with the Maple League of Universities to continue her pursuit of this goal.

Originally from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Tiffany moved to Antigonish and started as a student at St. Francis Xavier University in 2015. Tiffany struggled through the barriers of being a first-generation student at her campus, especially during her first two years. Over time, she used her leadership roles as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the StFX Students’ Union and as a Board Member for the StFX Board of Governors to advocate for a more inclusive education. Tiffany now holds two degrees from StFX University and continues to create pathways and supports for other first-generation students. Through her work with the Maple League, Tiffany is focusing on removing barriers to high-impact practices for first-generation students in hopes of increasing first-generation retention rates across StFX, Acadia, Mt. Allison and Bishop’s University campuses.