THUNDER BAY - An Order of Canada recipient with an accomplished background in academics, broadcasting, and theatre, has been named as the next head of Lakehead University.
Rita Shelton Deverell was announced as the new chancellor for the post-secondary institution on Friday by Lakehead University president, Moira McPherson, who served as chair of the University’s Chancellor Electoral Board.
Deverell said it is a great honour to be named as the 10th chancellor at LU and is the first Black woman to take on the role.
Born in Houston, Texas, Deverell grew up in the same neighbourhood as George Floyd and attended the same high school, albeit 40 years earlier.
“For a number of reasons, higher education was one of the main factors in my own life that gave me very different life chances from George Floyd,” she said. “If I can in anyway assist women of colour, men of colour, indigenous persons, people with disabilities, all of the underrepresented groups to get that leg up, I will do what I can.”
The chancellor confers all degrees and diplomas, as well as represents the university on other ceremonial occasions and participating in outreach and philanthropic initiatives.
Deverell said the role of the chancellor is not to make change but to assist those who are making things happen.
“I have been on the president’s committee for Truth and Reconciliation for Lakehead for about four years. In that capacity, the president has said that every staff person and faculty member should have Indigenous literacy training,” she said.
“That is what our committee is working on. It is strictly voluntary, but it is something our president has put her power behind. I can help. What the chancellor can do is help. The chancellor can be the face when that particular activity needs a higher profile. That is the way I can help make change.”
Deverell has an extensive background in broadcasting and journalism, being the first woman to lead a journalism program at a Canadian university. She also served as the news director for the Aboriginal People’s Television Network and was the founder of Vision TV.
Her award-winning play, Who You Callin Black Eh?, will be released in a digital version with interactive study guide and her book American Refugees: Turning to Canada for Freedom was released in 2019.
Throughout her career, Deverell has received numerous awards and honours, including two Geminis, the Black Women’s Civic Engagement Leadership Award, the Order of Canada.
Reflecting on her past accomplishments, including the founding of Vision TV, Deverell said it was about providing for opportunities for people just like her.
“The reason I helped to build a television network, Vision TV, is because in 1989 when that was being done, I knew that if I wanted a place for people who look like me can work, I will have to build it,” she said. “It didn’t exist and other media outlets were not as welcoming as they are now. They didn’t have equity and inclusion like they do now.”
“There is always a way around or over or under barriers. We need support to figure out what that is. If the barrier cannot be removed at exactly that second, if people are inspired by strategies then I am glad.”
Deverell will be taking over the role from Lyn McLeod and will be formally named as chancellor during the 2022 convocation ceremony.
“We are so proud to welcome Rita as Lakehead’s chancellor, and I want to thank those who were involved in the selection process,” McPherson said. “I very much look forward to working with our new chancellor, and relying on her wisdom and experience throughout the initiatives she will be involved in. I would like to offer my deepest thanks to current Chancellor Lyn McLeod, who we have been so proud to have as our chancellor since 2017.”
“It continues to be an absolute honour and pleasure to have her as part of our Lakehead University community as her presence and insights bring grace and dignity to everything she is involved with, and she has inspired our students and staff alike.”
