Commitment to Community: Ewen MacIsaac’s CBU Story

Public service requires a deep commitment to the people and community around you. For Ewen MacIsaac, eighteen years in law enforcement fostered a deep understanding of the Cape Breton Island community. However, his drive to serve and learn did not stop when his career shifted. Now 43 years old, the Big Pond native and current Glace Bay resident is preparing to cross the Kehoe Forum stage this fall, where he will receive his Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies alongside a Certificate in Mi’kmaw Cultural Tourism.

A New Chapter of Service 

After spending nearly 15 years in municipal policing in Cape Breton and four years with the Nova Scotia provincial government, returning to the classroom felt like a natural progression for Ewen’s professional development.

“Today, a bachelor’s degree is an asset for advancing in any profession, especially in government,” Ewen says. “Cape Breton University was close to home, had smaller class sizes and was my only choice for obtaining my undergraduate degree.”

Translating Skills to the Classroom

Transitioning from a fast-paced career in law enforcement to university coursework was a significant shift for Ewen, though he quickly realized his professional background provided a strong foundation for academic success. The teamwork required on the front lines mirrored the collaborative nature of his degree.

“Over the past few years, it has been an incredible journey working and attending CBU part-time to earn my degree,” he says. “In Law Enforcement, you learn to work collaboratively with your co-workers, as you do as a student. Going back to earn my BACS degree also strengthened my research and writing skills.”

Identifying as a community-driven person, Ewen thrived in courses that emphasized practical, local impact. He deeply valued the opportunity to learn about Mi’kmaw culture, two-eyed seeing and the Mi’kmaw language from Professors Starr Paul, Annie Battiste and Dr. Eleanor Anderson, while also refreshing his knowledge of criminal law with Nathan Ryan.

“Another highlight was my final-year Community Action Project, taught by Professor Shaun Ranni, in which five other like-minded students came together with a common goal: to help make our community a better place,” Ewen recalls.

The Power of Support

Balancing the demands of a full-time career, a family and a university degree is a massive undertaking. Ewen credits his ability to navigate those challenges entirely to his support system at home – his wife Nicole and their two daughters Ruby and Izzy.

“Having a family and working full-time doesn’t give you much time for education,” Ewen says. “I found that working toward my degree part-time, with an amazing family that understood and supported my goals, helped me achieve them.”

“I could never have completed this without the support of my wife and children.”

Looking Ahead

As Ewen prepares to officially become a CBU alum, he’s already looking toward his next major academic milestone. Looking back, he thinks his journey can serve as an example for anyone else considering returning to the classroom to advance their career.

“My main goal now is to earn my Master of Laws (LL.M.),” Ewen says. “It’s never too late to obtain your post-secondary education.”

Congratulations to Ewen and the entire Fall 2026 graduating class!
Ready to start your CBU journey? Visit cbu.ca/apply today to get started.