Mike DeGagné

An Ojibway from the Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation, Mike DeGagné comes to Indspire with a lifetime of work in Indigenous health and education.  He was appointed Nipissing University President and Vice Chancellor in 2013, becoming one of the first Indigenous presidents of a Canadian public university. While President of Nipissing, Dr. DeGagné dedicated much of his work to Indigenous issues and ensuring that Nipissing University took a leading role in the Indigenization of the post-secondary education sector. During his tenure, the University experienced growth in both its graduate and undergraduate programs as well as an increase in research funding.  Nipissing also strengthened its position as one of the top universities in the country for student experience, mental health services, residence experience and overall student satisfaction.