DeGagné reappointed Nipissing University President

Dr. Mike DeGagné has been reappointed as President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. DeGagné was reappointed as Nipissing’s president in a special meeting of the university’s Board of Governors on December 7 following the recommendation of the Reappointment Committee for the President and Vice-Chancellor. He will begin his second consecutive five-year term on January 1, 2018.

Nipissing’s seventh president, DeGagné began his first term as president in January 2013.

“I am confident in Dr. DeGagné, his vision and his ability to lead Nipissing University,” said Marianne Berube, Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Reappointment Committee. “Mike is deeply committed to this community, this institution and the people who make it such a wonderful place to study and work.”

“It is an honour to lead this exceptional institution, and I look forward to continuing to work with the leadership, faculty and staff to advance Nipissing University,” said DeGagné. “Together, we have accomplished a great deal for this institution. I believe strongly that Nipissing has a significant role to play in the future prosperity of this region.”

DeGagné brings almost 30 years of public sector leadership experience. He holds Masters degrees in Administration and Law and a PhD in Educational Administration.

During his first term as Nipissing’s president, the university introduced new academic programs, including a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a Master of Science in Kinesiology, and a Master of Arts in Sociology. The university also opened the $7.5 million Centre for Physical and Health Education. Nipissing’s faculty have experienced research success as well, and the university is now home to four Canada Research Chairs. Over the course of the past three years, significant improvements have been achieved in engaging Aboriginal students and in university advancement. DeGagné and his team have also worked to effectively reduce the university’s deficit budget and look forward to continued success in achieving sustainability.

Prior to coming to Nipissing, DeGagné served as the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. He has served on numerous boards of directors in the health and university sectors including as Chair of Ottawa's Queensway-Carleton Hospital and Chair of the Child Welfare League of Canada.

DeGagné is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.