BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Ralph Nilson was invested with the honorary title of President Emeritus at Vancouver Island University upon his retirement in June 2019.

He has over forty years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students, research and scholarship, international education, and senior leadership in universities across Canada and the United States. He developed an externally funded research program in physical activity, population health and community development. He is recognized for his values-based leadership approach and advocacy for access to excellence in post-secondary education.

He continues to be actively engaged in working with communities and recognizes the important role of post-secondary education success to the economic and social prosperity of the communities and society in which we live. His persistent support for building pathways and access for populations disproportionately represented among postsecondary graduates has been evidenced throughout his career. He continues to support capacity building for Indigenous youth, youth impacted by the multi dimensions of poverty and the reduction of the systemic barriers that persist. He fosters opportunities to attract and retain international talent in Canada through post-secondary education.