Dellandrea appointed Nipissing University's Chancellor
Jon Dellandrea was appointed the new Chancellor of Nipissing University by the university’s Board of Governors on Monday, September 13.
Dellandrea was recommended by the Chancellor selection committee, which considered and discussed nominations from the university community and other stakeholders. The Chancellor is the titular head of the university and confers all degrees to graduates at Convocation. Dellandrea was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Nipissing University in June 2010.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Dellandrea as our Chancellor,” said
Lesley Lovett-Doust, Nipissing president and chair of the selection committee. “His track record in helping post-secondary institutions achieve their fullest potential is unmatched in Canada. He was a member of President Robert Pritchard’s “dream team” at the University of Toronto; the group that together, through the 1990s, enhanced the international stature and recognition that Toronto enjoys today. He is a very prominent individual in our community, and is recognized as a leader in universities around the world. While the selection committee discussed a number of highly qualified people, Dr. Dellandrea stood out as the perfect choice. He will be an excellent ambassador and advocate for Nipissing University and its campuses in North Bay, Bracebridge and Brantford. He brings a global perspective to the continuous improvement of post-secondary education in Canada.”
“Nipissing University is embarking on an exciting journey” added Lovett-Doust, “our Faculty of Education became the Schulich School of Education earlier this year, and the state-of-the-art Harris Learning Library, shared with our friend and partner, Canadore College, will soon provide a unique locus for collaborative learning and community connectivity. We are developing a unique Healthy Active Living and Research Centre on campus that will, with the neighbouring new Regional Hospital and One Kids’ Place, become an important focal point for wellness and health research. We are establishing new programs and opportunities for our students, and Dr. Dellandrea will bring outstanding leadership and expertise to this next exciting phase of Nipissing’s growth.”
"I am very honoured to be named Chancellor of Nipissing University,” said Dellandrea. “North Bay is my home community and Nipissing University is a vital part of that community, culturally and economically. Nipissing has grown into an outstanding university over the past 18 years since receiving its charter, and it is poised for even greater success. It is a vibrant institution that generates many significant research projects and is graduating some of the finest young minds in Canada. I look forward to my role as Chancellor and meeting and working with the tremendous students, faculty, staff and community members to ensure continued excellence.”
Raised in North Bay, Dellandrea is one of the world’s foremost figures in university advancement. He currently serves as a counsel to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, assisting with the establishment of a major endowment campaign. From 2005 – 2008, he was the pro-vice-chancellor (Development and External Affairs) at the University of Oxford, where he launched a $2.5 billion dollar campaign. As vice-president and chief development officer at the University of Toronto, a position he held from 1994 – 2005, Dellandrea headed the single largest fundraising campaign in the history of Canadian Universities, raising more than $1.2 billion for student aid and endowed chairs. He has been awarded the Order of Canada, the Laureate Award of the Institute for Charitable Giving in the United States, the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education and the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives.
Dellandrea is the third Chancellor in Nipissing’s history, succeeding David Liddle who began his term in 2002. Jim Redpath served as Nipissing’s first Chancellor from 1994 – 2002. Dellandrea has been appointed to a four-year term.
“Both Mr. Liddle and Mr. Redpath accomplished a great deal for the university during their tenure as Chancellor,” said Dellandrea. “The university has evolved in leaps and bounds thanks, in no small measure, to their leadership and their work as ambassadors. Their legacy is one of growth, quality and exceptional student success. I hope to continue the tradition of excellence that my predecessors established.”
Nipissing University will hold a special installation ceremony on December 9 to officially welcome and install Dellandrea as Chancellor.