Former Nipissing University President Mike Degagne has quit as president of Yukon University less than three months into his five-year term.
The announcement was made on Yukon's website yesterday.
See: YukonU president resigns; VP Maggie Matear appointed interim president
“We are disappointed that Dr. DeGagné is unable to continue as president but respect his decision,” said David Morrison, chair of the Yukon University Board of Governors.
A statement from Degagne said, “It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision. Yukon University is a fantastic institution. There is much to be proud of here. Yukon and Canada are fortunate to have such dedicated faculty, staff, and executives working hard to make a difference for students, northerners and all Canadians.”
Dr. DeGagné joined Yukon University July 1 from Nipissing University where he served seven years as president and vice chancellor, one of the first Indigenous presidents of a Canadian public university.
See: Nipissing University president resigns
And: Nipissing University seeking new president
BayToday tried unsuccessfully to reach Dr. Degagne for comment.
We also contacted Nipissing University, which is still searching for his replacement, but received no comment by time of publishing.
Cheryl Sutton, Nipissing’s vice-president of finance and administration, was named as interim president, effective July 1.
Degagne stepped down from Nipissing in June.
At that time, Board Chair Tom Palangio said, “Dr. DeGagné has been an exceptional leader and has left a permanent mark on the university and broader community, especially for his tireless work in the area of Indigenous education.”
When his resignation was announced, Degagne said “Nipissing University and North Bay will always hold a special place in my heart and I will miss the community greatly. At the same time, I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenge of leading a brand new university in Canada’s far north.”
DeGagné is also a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
