New governance structure sparks exciting next chapter for OUA

Burlington, Ont. – An exciting new chapter has begun in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), as the conference has welcomed a new Board of Directors upon the completion of the 2019 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kingston.

After multiple years of diligent work, the OUA, which up until this time saw direction and leadership from a Board comprised of the Athletic Directors from our 20 member institutions, now sees the implementation of a seven-person Board.

“Our conference is ready to take this important next step in our continued growth and development,” said Gord Grace, OUA CEO. “I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Scott Barker and the entire OUA Management Committee for their leadership, effort, and expertise over these past years, as well as Peter Baxter and the Governance Committee for helping us get to the finish line of what has been years of dedicated hard work.”

The Board will consist of two Council of Ontario University Executive Heads, two Ontario Committee on Student Affairs Members, and three OUA Athletic Directors.

Effective as of May 16, 2019, the new Board of Directors includes:

Chair – Dr. Mike DeGagné – President, Nipissing University
Vice Chair – Dr. Deborah MacLatchy – President & Vice Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University
Treasurer – Ann Tierney – VP & Dean of Students, Queen’s University
Director – Sean Van Koughnett – VPA & Dean of Students, McMaster University
Secretary – Mike Havey – Director of Athletics & Recreation, University of Windsor
Director – Jennifer Myers – Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation, York University
Director – Peter Hellstrom – Director of Athletics, Laurentian University  

“I am looking forward to this new era of Ontario University Athletics,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, OUA Board of Directors Chair. “The conference has talent both on and off the field, all working toward an impactful experience for nearly 9,600 student-athletes. I am excited to help this group and support their role in university sport, ensuring that through the impact of athletics, in combination with academics, the conference’s student-athletes are truly champions." 

The Board met for the first time immediately following the completion of the 2019 AGM.

Added Grace, “The experience, knowledge, and perspective that this group brings to the table will guide our conference down a successful, preeminent path moving forward; truly ushering in a new era for Ontario University Athletics.”