Meet NU’s recruitment team

They’ve got one of the most important jobs at the university: working in high schools, colleges and universities all over the country to spread the word about how fantastic Nipissing is as a place to learn, study, and grow while recruiting students to enroll. NU news is proud to introduce our Student Recruitment Officers.They’ll be on-campus until mid-September to receive training and to polish their presentations, gearing up for the Ontario Universities Fair in Toronto, September 23-25. From there, they’ll be on the road for eight solid weeks talking to prospective students about why Nipissing University is where they belong. If you see them around campus, take the time to tell them what you love about Nipissing, it just might make a difference to a high school student somewhere out there.
And now, with no further ado, NU News is proud to introduce Nipissing’s Recruitment Officers!
Kyle Anderson
Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
High School: St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School
University/program: BA in History from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: The tight-knit community and relationships I have made with my professors, both within and outside of the university.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: The wide variety of sports teams and clubs available for students to get involved in.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: Travelling to different cities, meeting new people, and sharing with others about all the great things available at Nipissing.
Dez Bair-Patel
Hometown: Pembroke, Ontario
High School: Fellowes High School
University/program: BBA from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: The small class sizes at Nipissing are a defining feature that make for great discussion and interaction. Also there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular, or co-curricular activities to help you get the most out of your university experience.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: How easy it was to get involved. I had a fantastic time and learned a lot from getting involved in the Residence Life team as a don and on Residence Council, as well as Clubs on Campus, and as a volunteer tour guide.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year: I’m looking forward to spreading my love for Nipissing and showing people what a great place it is.
Valerie Edmunds
Hometown: King City
High School: King City Secondary School
University/program: BA in Geography, BEd (Concurrent) from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: How the university is so connected with nature. There’s the trail systems and waterfall right behind campus, and we were able to use it for hands on experiences within my program.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: How easy it is to get access to services and getting involved on campus in any capacity, this really helped shape who I am today.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: This will be my sixth recruitment cycle and I am always excited to travel to new places and meet new people to share my NU experiences and what we can offer students. I will also be leading one of the University Information Programs for the first time this fall, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to travel with other recruiters in Ontario.
Dennis Kariuki
Hometown: North Bay
High School: West Ferris Secondary School
University/program: BA in Administrative Studies, with a minor in Social Welfare, from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: All the awesome friends I met during my time here.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: How much Nipissing has to offer if you seek out the opportunities and simply ask.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: I am looking forward to meeting students around Ontario and getting them excited about a future at Nipissing. I am also looking forward to a comprehensive study of Ontario's best pizza places.
Alyssa MacMillan
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
High School: Gloucester High School
University/program: BA in Psychology; BEd (Concurrent) from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: Nipissing provides students with a wonderful, close-knit community.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: In most programs, students have the ability to take a wide variety of courses. I ended up really enjoying several courses that I never thought I would be interested in.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: Exploring Ontario and getting to share my insights about what sets Nipissing apart.
Sarah Marinelli
Hometown: Georgetown, Ontario
High School: Georgetown District High School and Christ the King Catholic Secondary
University/program: Diploma from Canadore College in Integrated Marketing Communication, BA and BFA with a focus in Marketing and Fine Arts from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: Do I have to just pick one? The community feeling on campus. Not just among students, but with staff and faculty as well.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: The most surprising thing to me about Nipissing, was the vibrant and thriving art scene in North Bay.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: Aside from getting to share how amazing Nipissing is with potential future students, I'm looking forward to the adventure.
Kerry-Lynn Peltier
Hometown: Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory
High School: Delta Secondary School – Hamilton, ON
University/Program: BA in Social Welfare and Social Development with minor in Sociology from Nipissing University
My Favourite Thing About Nipissing is: The social, cultural and educational connections developed within the institution. My personal and professional networks gained at Nipissing University helped to expand and enrich my life.
The Most Surprising thing about Nipissing is: The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives (OAI). The OAI serves as a safe, supportive and family orientated atmosphere where student can utilize academic services, personal supports and cultural events to help motivate, encourage and ensure student success.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: I am looking forward to connecting with, encouraging and sharing my educational journey with Aboriginal students, in hopes that they choose to broaden their life experiences while earning themselves a degree at Nipissing University.
John Picard
Hometown: Innisfil, Ontario
High School: Nantyr Shores Secondary School
University/program: BA and MA in History from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: The exciting opportunities that develop from being a student here.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: That professors take the time to get to know you and adjust their teaching style to your needs.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: Seeing all of your smiling faces.
Carla Tucker
Hometown: North Bay
High School: St. Joseph-Scollard Hall
University/program: BA in English and History, BEd, MEd from Nipissing University
My favourite thing about Nipissing is: Too many to choose from, but the more time I spend on campus the more I appreciate the environment. Between the blue skies and the tremendous view from the escarpment, it would be hard to find a better place to live, work and study.
The most surprising thing about Nipissing is: I used to consider myself a pretty "in-the-know" alumna and I was super surprised by all that Nipissing now offers students. The facilities continue to expand as does our programing. I'm probably most proud of all the support we are able to give students, and every year we just offer more and more.
What are you looking forward to in recruiting this year?: I'm looking forward to getting back out to British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. I'm so excited to get back out there and see some of the students I've met over the years and tell them more about how Nipissing is precisely where they belong.