Mike Degagne is leaving Nipissing University to become the president of Yukon University.

He will stay on as President and Vice-Chancellor until the end of June.

Degagne has been at the post since 2013 and when appointed was one of the first Indigenous presidents of a public university.

He says Yukon University has a lot in common with Nipissing so this is an attractive opportunity.

“You think of growing programs, a beautiful natural environment and a strong First Nations presence. Everyone of those elements exists at Yukon University,” he says.

During his tenure he was recognized with the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and also received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Another highlight was a 70 per cent increase in research funding at Nipissing since he was named president.

He says he’ll miss North Bay and he’s proud of the growth of the university in terms of the research done and the buildings constructed but that’s not all.

“I think we’re also established ourselves in a very meaningful way both as leaders in student life, residence life and mental health programming. These are the kinds of things that students look for,” DeGagne says.

Degagne who has been president since 2013 was involved in the community too.

DeGagné served as chair of Reconciliation North Bay, and was honoured with a Nipissing District Human Rights Award and as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

Under DeGagne’s leadership the university saw an increase in the number of sports teams including men’s and women’s basketball, rowing and improvements to men’s lacrosse and also saw the opening of Nipissing’s new turf field.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: dr-mike-degagne, nipissing-university