Scott Russell named new Chancellor of Nipissing University 

North Bay, ON – Nipissing University has appointed Dr. Scott Russell as its fifth Chancellor. The award-winning broadcaster and acclaimed author, best known for his hosting roles with CBC Sports and extensive Olympic Games coverage, will begin his four-year term on July 1, 2024.  

Russell succeeds Dr. Paul Cook who has served as Nipissing’s Chancellor and tireless supporter since 2016. The Chancellor is the titular head of the university, serving an important role as an advocate and ambassador for the institution and who is responsible for conferring degrees on all graduates during Convocation. 

“It is an honour to welcome Dr. Scott Russell as our new Chancellor,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. “Scott’s remarkable career as a journalist and author as well as his personal and professional contributions to amateur sport and community-building across Canada, make him an ideal person for this role. We look forward to the privilege of working with Scott to continue to enhance Nipissing’s national reputation, and advance our strategic commitments.” 

"I am extremely honoured to be chosen as the next Chancellor of Nipissing University and to have the opportunity to follow the outstanding example of Dr. Paul Cook,” said Scott Russell. “Nipissing is an enormously vital part of the entire region, offering students a wide range of academic programs and career paths to pursue in a supportive environment. It will be exhilarating to witness the students of the university as they become the leaders of their diverse communities not only in Canada, but around the world." 

A Canadian Screen Award and Gemini Award-winning broadcaster, Scott Russell brings nearly 40 years of experience, passion, and knowledge to his role as co-host of CBC Sports Presents.  

This summer, Russell will cover his 17th Olympic Games - it will be his seventh time hosting. Beginning Saturday, July 27 as part of CBC’s coverage of Paris 2024, Russell will host Bell Paris Prime from the City of Lights, featuring the day’s biggest sporting events including swimming, athletics, and Team Canada’s appearances in basketball and soccer. He will also host CBC’s coverage of the Paralympic Games later this summer.  

Russell's passion for amateur sports shines throughout his extensive career, which includes hosting major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, and multiple FIFA World Cups. He also served as host and rink-side reporter for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada for 14 years. Beyond broadcasting, he writes insightful sports blogs for cbcsports.ca and is a member of the CBC Sports initiative on women in sports. 

Starting his career at CBC Charlottetown in 1985, Russell transitioned to sports reporting in 1986 and has since become a respected commentator. In addition to his roles at CBC, he has taught a course in Canadian Sports History at Toronto's Centennial College and is involved with several sports committees and charities, including the Canadian Olympic Committee's Education Committee, Ambassador’s Council for Amici camping charity, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the Public Policy Forum on Value-Based Sport, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, and the advisory board of the International Centre For Olympic Studies At Western University.  

A graduate of Western University with an M.A. in Journalism, Russell has penned two books on hockey, Ice Time: A Canadian Hockey Journey and The Rink - Stories from Hockey's Home Towns, which he co-wrote with Chris Cuthbert. Russell's third book, Open House: Canada and the Magic of Curling, is a grassroots look at one of this country's favourite sports. 

Russell has been recognized with numerous awards including the George Gross Award for Outstanding Broadcasting and a CBC President's Award in the Brand Champion category for his dedication and enthusiasm for his work covering amateur athletics. He also received an honorary doctorate (D.Litt.) from Nipissing University in 2020. 

An avid runner, Russell has completed two Boston Marathons, and was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to sports in Canada. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife, Catherine. 

Russell will be officially installed as Chancellor during a special ceremony this fall. His appointment was passed by the University’s Board of Governors on June 24, 2024.  

To read Scott Russell’s full biography, visit: https://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/bio/scott-russell 

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Media Contact: 

Khia Beauchesne 
Communications Officer 
Nipissing University 
705-474-3450 ext. 4035 
communications@nipissingu.ca