Welcome President DeGagné

Nipissing University welcomes President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mike DeGagné, who began his five-year term on January 7. “It is wonderful to be here and to be meeting the students, faculty, staff and community members responsible for Nipissing’s success,” said Dr. DeGagné.  “This is an exciting time and there are many opportunities for Nipissing to play a significant role in Ontario’s prosperity. 

I am looking forward to connecting with everyone, so that together we can build on Nipissing’s current strengths and continue to advance this fantastic university. We are going to have a lot of fun.” Most recently, Dr. DeGagné served as the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, a position he held since 1998.  From 1988-98, he served as an Executive with provincial and federal agencies including Director, Accounting Operations, and Senior Negotiator with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.  He also served as Director, First Nations and Inuit Health Programs for Health Canada.  Currently, Dr. DeGagné is the Chairman of the Child Welfare League of Canada and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Nipissing’s seventh president, Dr. DeGagné brings 25 years of public sector leadership experience.  His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Toronto, a Masters degree in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a PhD in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.  He also earned a Master of Laws degree from York University’s Osgoode Hall. “Having been born in Northern Ontario, I am especially excited at the prospect of returning to this beautiful area with my wife and family.  My two grown sons are looking forward to spending holidays here and enjoying everything that this community offers, including the lakes and forests as well as athletics, which has always played a large role in our family,” added Dr. DeGagné.