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.