Nipissing University has appointed CBC sports broadcaster Scott Russell as its fifth Chancellor. Russell succeeds former police chief Paul Cook who has served as Nipissing’s Chancellor since 2016.
The award-winning broadcaster and author, best known for his hosting roles with CBC Sports and extensive Olympic Games coverage, will begin his four-year term on July 1.
"The chancellor is the titular head of the university, serving an important role as an advocate and ambassador for the institution and who is responsible for conferring degrees on all graduates during Convocation," says a Nipissing news release.
“Scott’s remarkable career as a journalist and author as well as his personal and professional contributions to amateur sport and community-building across Canada, make him an ideal person for this role," says said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, president of Nipissing University. "We look forward to the privilege of working with Scott to continue to enhance Nipissing’s national reputation, and advance our strategic commitments.”
Russell says he's honoured to be chosen as the next Chancellor of Nipissing University.
“Nipissing is an enormously vital part of the entire region, offering students a wide range of academic programs and career paths to pursue in a supportive environment. It will be exhilarating to witness the students of the university as they become the leaders of their diverse communities not only in Canada but around the world."
A Canadian Screen Award and Gemini Award-winning broadcaster, Russell brings nearly 40 years of experience, passion, and knowledge to his role as co-host of CBC Sports Presents.
This summer, Russell will cover his 17th Olympic Games - it will be his seventh time hosting. He will also host CBC’s coverage of the Paralympic Games later this summer.
"Russell's passion for amateur sports shines throughout his extensive career, which includes hosting major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, and multiple FIFA World Cups. He also served as host and rink-side reporter for CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada for 14 years. Beyond broadcasting, he writes insightful sports blogs for cbcsports.ca and is a member of the CBC Sports initiative on women in sports," says the release.
Starting his career at CBC Charlottetown in 1985, Russell transitioned to sports reporting in 1986 and has since become a respected commentator. In addition to his roles at CBC, he has taught a course in Canadian Sports History at Toronto's Centennial College and is involved with several sports committees and charities, including the Canadian Olympic Committee's Education Committee, Ambassador’s Council for Amici camping charity, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the Public Policy Forum on Value-Based Sport, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, and the advisory board of the International Centre For Olympic Studies At Western University.
A graduate of Western University with an M.A. in Journalism, Russell has penned two books on hockey, Ice Time: A Canadian Hockey Journey and The Rink - Stories from Hockey's Home Towns, which he co-wrote with Chris Cuthbert. Russell's third book, Open House: Canada and the Magic of Curling, is a grassroots look at one of this country's favourite sports.
Russell has been recognized with numerous awards including the George Gross Award for Outstanding Broadcasting and a CBC President's Award in the Brand Champion category for his dedication and enthusiasm for his work covering amateur athletics. He also received an honorary doctorate (D.Litt.) from Nipissing University in 2020.
An avid runner, Russell has completed two Boston Marathons, and was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to sports in Canada. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife, Catherine.
Russell will be officially installed as Chancellor during a special ceremony this fall.
Read Scott Russell’s full biography here.
