Meet Student Leader Jacob Belanger

Nipissing University is pleased to have recognized Jacob Belanger from Iroquois Falls with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, one of it's most prestigious accolades.

Annually, 25 full-time students are recognized with a Dave Marshall Leadership Award. These students have made an outstanding extracurricular contribution to their academic program, to the campus, or to the greater community. They have demonstrated leadership, initiative, commitment, and an ability to motivate and influence others toward the betterment of Nipissing University.

This award is a prestigious, non-monetary award in recognition of the dedication and leadership Dr. Dave Marshall demonstrated during his 18 years of consecutive service as the Dean of Education and President and Vice Chancellor of Nipissing University. Dr. Marshall’s tenure at Nipissing University is a reflection of his commitment to higher education, vision for the future, and leadership in external community service. These were all characteristics reflective of Dr. Marshall’s position at Nipissing University and are qualities embodied in the students chosen for this award.

Jacob is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Jacob has demonstrated his leadership in academics as a Tutor, Teaching Assistant for Anatomy and Physiology, and Research Assistant within both the School of Nursing and the Psychology Department’s Human Evolution Lab. Off-campus, Jacob volunteers with the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s Elderly Life Program, Youth Leadership Advisory Team and the Healthcare Leadership Program. He has also done fundraising for One Kids Place and has lobbied the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation to get involved in fundraising initiatives for Regional Aboriginal Mental Health Services.

As a Research Assistant with the School of Nursing, Jacob was involved with organizing data for incorporation into a Best Practice Guidelines document regarding clinical pain assessment and management. In the Human Evolution Lab, Jacob has been responsible for data collection for several novel research studies. He has completed literature reviews for incorporation into publications, assisted with difficult assays, and aided participants through complex protocols. His hard work has led to a lead authorship role on an invited entry chapter on hormones for the Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Jacob is also a co-author of a submitted manuscript on a recent immune function study conducted in the lab. 

Jacob is personable, thoughtful, and kind. He freely gives his time to others whether through volunteering or aiding with research and he does so while maintaining an excellent GPA.

The university community congratulates Jacob on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Academic Category!