In conversation with NU’s Chancellor

NU News recently got the opportunity to sit down with Nipissing’s newly installed Chancellor, Dr. Paul Cook for an exclusive interview.

In the video, Dr. Cook discusses his reaction to becoming Nipissing’s fourth Chancellor, his role at Nipissing and his message to students.

The Chancellor serves an important role as an advocate and ambassador for Nipissing, while providing advice and counsel to university administration. As the titular head of the university, the Chancellor also confers all degrees at Convocation.

Born and raised in North Bay, Cook served as Chief of Police for the North Bay Police Service from 2004 – 2016, capping off 34 years on the force. A dedicated community builder, Cook currently serves as President of Retired Badge Consulting Inc.

He is a past member of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, the former Honorary Colonel of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, Past Chair of the 2015 Ontario Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games Committee, and Past Sponsorship Chair for the 2013-14 World Ringette Championships Committee. Mr. Cook also served on the executive for both the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Cook has been recognized for his leadership in the North Bay community multiple times. He received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Royal Canadian Air Force Commander’s Commendation in 2012. In 2013, he was honoured with the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award and the Officer of the Order of Merit for Police Forces Medal. In 2016, Mr. Cook received the Dedication to Soccer Award from the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Cook and his wife, Karen, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two grown children, Matt and Amy.

Dr. Jon Dellandrea served as Nipissing’s Chancellor from 2010 – 2014. David Liddle was Chancellor from 2002 – 2010. Jim Redpath served as Nipissing’s first Chancellor from 1994 – 2002.