August 20, 2006 - 5:00pm
Don Hubbard, Board Chair for Malaspina University-College’s Board of Governors announced today that Dr. Ralph Nilson has been offered, and has accepted, the position of President for Malaspina University-College.
Dr. Nilson is currently working as the Vice-President, Academic of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, a position he has held since July 2004. Dr. Nilson will replace President Richard Johnston when he officially retires January 2007.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the Presidential search process,” said Hubbard. “Dr. Nilson is a great fit with Malaspina and will be an outstanding ambassador for our organization.”
Dr. Nilson holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Oregon. He was formerly the Director of the Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre and served as both Professor and Dean in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina.
Dr. Nilson is an accomplished researcher, having published and presented over one hundred papers and technical reports on various topics, including applied demographics, health determinants and social public policy. He has been recognized for his work with rural communities and has enjoyed a long career in public advocacy and community involvement. Dr. Nilson is an active member of the Canadian scholarly community, and serves on numerous review boards and committees.
“I would like to thank the Presidential Search Advisory Committee for their professionalism and dedication to this task.” added Hubbard. “We received numerous high calibre applications from across North America. Dr. Nilson possesses all of the attributes we were looking for in a President that will lead us to University Designation, continue to grow our program profile and continue to work with our communities in mutually beneficial ways.”
“I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to lead Malaspina University-College. Malaspina’s achievements in teaching and learning, in research, and International development are exceptional," said Nilson. "Malaspina faculty, support staff and administration are known for their innovation and connectedness to the community and for having developed a diverse and comprehensive program mix. It is these things, and the beauty of Vancouver Island, that attracted me to this position. I thank the hiring committee for their faith in me. I look forward to assuming my new duties and meeting the Malaspina team and members of the community in the coming months. I also wish Mr. Johnston the very best in his upcoming retirement.”
Dr. Nilson will assume his new role January 1, 2007.
Tags: In the Community
