Former police chief new Nipissing University Chancellor

 Nipissing University’s fourth Chancellor, Paul D. Cook, was officially installed today in a special ceremony at the university.

The Chancellor serves an important role as an advocate and ambassador for Nipissing, while providing advice and counsel to university administration. As the titular head of the university, the Chancellor also confers all degrees at Convocation. 

During the ceremony, Cook took an oath of office, administered by the Chair of the Board of Governors, Marianne Berube, in which he promised to keep and preserve the statutes, liberties, customs, rights and privilege of the university, and to promote its well-being and that of its members during his term. 

In his installation speech, Cook spoke about his role as an advocate and ambassador who will work to advance the university by helping to build and foster partnerships.  He discussed the university’s value to the community, saying that Nipissing is a “an economic, cultural and social engine, making a tremendously positive impact on our city, our region and our province.” He also touched on challenges faced by the university, and invoked the university’s coat of arms motto, Integritas, noting the importance of integrity and unity in providing strength to face those challenges.  Cook also discussed the role of universities in closing Canada’s Indigenous education gap, stating his pride in the work that Nipissing has done in this area, as partners with First Nations groups to accomplish meaningful, positive change.

"It is a tremendous honour for me to be installed as Chancellor of this exceptional institution, which plays a such a vital role in North Bay, my home community,” said Cook.  “I look forward to working as a champion and ambassador for Nipissing and helping to create and nurture partnerships that will assist in advancing the university. There is an excellent team in place here, the university is poised for great success and I am thrilled to play a role in its continued excellence.”

“The installation of Paul Cook as chancellor comes at an important and exciting time at Nipissing University.  We are launching new academic programs, our research culture is growing, our financial picture is stabilizing and we are a destination of choice for many students looking for a student-centred university,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “His leadership and integrity, as well as his proven commitment to his community and ability to build partnerships will serve Nipissing well as we continue to advance this institution.”

Cook also received an honorary doctorate of letters from Nipissing during the event.

Nipissing’s former Chancellor, Dr. Jon Dellandrea, assisted in the installation.

Born and raised in North Bay, Cook served as Chief of Police for the North Bay Police Service from 2004 – 2016, capping off 34 years on the force.  A dedicated community builder, Cook currently serves as President of Retired Badge Consulting Inc.

He is a past member of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, the former Honorary Colonel of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, Past Chair of the 2015 Ontario Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games Committee, and Past Sponsorship Chair for the 2013-14 World Ringette Championships Committee.  Mr. Cook also served on the executive for both the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Cook has been recognized for his leadership in the North Bay community multiple times.  He received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Royal Canadian Air Force Commander’s Commendation in 2012.  In 2013, he was honoured with the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award and the Officer of the Order of Merit for Police Forces Medal.  In 2016, He received the Dedication to Soccer Award from the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame.

Paul and his wife, Karen, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two grown children, Matt and Amy.

Dr. Jon Dellandrea served as Nipissing’s Chancellor from 2010 – 2014. David Liddle was Chancellor from 2002 – 2010. Jim Redpath served as Nipissing’s first Chancellor from 1994 – 2002.