Northern Life president to serve 2 more years as LU board chair

As Northern Life president Michael Atkins finishes up his first year as chair of Laurentian University's board of governors, he's just been appointed to spend a further two years in the position.

The appointment was made at the board of governors' April 24 meeting.

Atkins, who is due to be chair until June 2016, has served on the university's board of governors for about a decade. In addition to serving as chair since June 2013, he was also vice-chair for three years before that.

“I love what I am doing,” he said. “This is just a phenomenal institution. Every institution has a time when it's more static, but this place is flying.”

Atkins said his goals over the next two years include keeping Laurentian's finances in order and moving forward its Barrie campus plans.

More than that, though, he said he wants to ensure that there's “a sense of enthusiasm and excitement” permeating the school.

Laurentian president Dominic Giroux said he's “delighted” Atkins has signed on to spend another two years as board chair.

“Michael has been such an engaged board member and a very effective chair,” he said. “His knowledge of the community, and his passion for the communities we serve is palpable. He's a great mentor to me personally as president.”