Alumni

On Anna Pearson’s first ever report card, her teacher wrote that one day, she would make an excellent teacher. That early insight has proven true. Today, Anna is a celebrated educator and the recipient of numerous teaching awards including the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2024) from Nipissing University, the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2022) for her outstanding contributions to K-12 education, and most recently the Award for Future-Proofing Students from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (2025).

For Holly Garnett, Nipissing University was more than just a place to earn a degree; it was where her lifelong interest in politics transformed into an impactful career, shaping conversations about democracy around the globe.

When alumnus Rachel Cranford initially transferred to Nipissing University’s Fine Arts program during her third year, she didn’t anticipate just how much the university and the city would shape her future. At the time, she had recently moved to North Bay with her partner, who had accepted a local job offer. While the move was initially driven by convenience, Cranford quickly discovered that Nipissing was a natural fit.

Dr. Glen Sharpe's connection with Nipissing University began serendipitously in the mid-90s when he stopped at the campus while driving from Thunder Bay to Bramalea, Ontario. Curious about the university, he entered the education office, where he was greeted with warmth and friendliness. That visit left a lasting impression, so when it came time to pursue a Master’s degree in Education, Nipissing was his first choice.

For Rebecca Wakelin, the path to becoming an educator, and ultimately a leader in higher education development, began unexpectedly. Raised in Northern Ontario, Wakelin’s childhood dream was to become a lawyer. However, while applying to universities, she included Nipissing University’s Bachelor of Education program as a fourth choice, influenced by her roommates pursuing teaching.