Nipissing U reappoints President Kevin Wamsley to second term
Nipissing University’s Board of Governors is pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Kevin Wamsley as its President and Vice-Chancellor for a second five-year term, beginning August 1, 2026.
The reappointment comes following a review process carried out by the Reappointment Committee for the President & Vice-Chancellor, led by Board Chair David Smits.
“Dr. Wamsley has demonstrated outstanding leadership and positioned Nipissing University for long-term success,” said David Smits, Chair of Nipissing University’s Board of Governors. “His unwavering commitment to student success, community engagement, and institutional sustainability has been evident throughout his tenure. We look forward to continuing our work with Kevin as we advance Nipissing’s mission and build on this strong foundation.”
Dr. Wamsley began his first term as President in August 2021 and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision, overseeing the development of a new strategic plan for the institution in partnership with the Nipissing University Indigenous Council on Education (NUICE). As co-chair of the Equity Action Planning Task Force, he laid the groundwork for the implementation of an EDIA audit to advance the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and reconciliation. As Chair of Ontario University Athletics (OUA), he is strengthening Nipissing’s presence in provincial athletics and is a champion for student engagement.
Under his leadership, Nipissing secured transformative philanthropic support, including a $1 million gift from the George and Helen Vari Foundation to establish a state-of-the-art simulation centre, a $1 million dollar gift from the John and Adrienne Peacock Foundation to establish the Student Research Opportunity Fund, $2 million from the Joyce Family Foundation for student bursaries, $1 million for the construction of an outdoor classroom, a landmark $5 million donation from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation to expand Rare Dementia Support Canada, and $650,000 to establish the Student Support Fund. He has been a strong advocate for Ontario universities as a member of the Council of Ontario Universities Board of Directors and Chair of its Budget and Audit Committee, and an advocate for the University with government partners, calling for reforms to the Northern Grant and ensuring Nipissing’s interests are well represented.
Dr. Wamsley has also deepened ties with the North Bay community, forging new partnerships and enhancing the student experience through initiatives such as the opening of the campus beach volleyball courts and the launch of innovative programs like the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. These accomplishments reflect his dedication to advancing Nipissing University’s mission and creating a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic environment.
“The people of North Bay, the surrounding region, and the entire campus community have been so good to me; it is an honour to continue serving the Nipissing University community for another term,” said Dr. Wamsley. “Nipissing has a proud tradition and a bright future, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to continue building on the progress we’ve made. I look forward to advancing key initiatives from our Strategic Plan, supporting the development of a more inclusive campus, and ensuring that Nipissing remains a destination of choice for students, world-class researchers, educators, and staff.”
Prior to joining Nipissing, Dr. Wamsley completed a five-year term as Academic Vice-President & Provost at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia where he also served for one year as Interim President. Previously, he served as Professor, Associate Dean, Acting Dean, and Director of the International Centre for Olympic Studies over the course of 18 years at Western University. Prior to that, he was Assistant/Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Calgary.
