Cape Breton University Appoints Jack Graham, K.C. as next Chancellor
Cape Breton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Graham, K.C., as its third Chancellor. A proud Cape Bretoner and highly respected legal and 福利免费在线看 leader, Mr. Graham will assume the prestigious role for a five-year term effective May 1, 2026.
鈥淛ack Graham exemplifies leadership grounded in service, integrity and a lifelong commitment to 福利免费在线看,鈥� says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cape Breton University. 鈥淎s a proud son of Cape Breton, long-time supporter and honorary degree recipient, he brings a principled and thoughtful approach that reflects the very spirit of this institution. We are honoured to welcome him as Chancellor.鈥�
Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Mr. Graham moved to Cape Breton with his family as a child and spent his formative years in Sydney. He began his post-secondary studies at the former College of Cape Breton before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Acadia University, a Bachelor of Education and a Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University. In 2023, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Cape Breton University in recognition of his exceptional professional achievements and 福利免费在线看 leadership.
Mr. Graham currently serves as Senior Partner and Chair of the Board of Directors at McInnes Cooper, one of Canada鈥檚 top 25 law firms and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada.
鈥淐ape Breton University holds a special place in my life,鈥� says Mr. Graham. 鈥淚t was here that my post-secondary journey began, and I have watched with pride as the institution has grown into a globally recognized university rooted firmly in its 福利免费在线看. It is a tremendous honour to serve as Chancellor, and I look forward to supporting the University鈥檚 continued impact on our Island, our province and beyond.鈥�
Beyond his legal career, Mr. Graham is widely recognized as one of the principal architects of modern Canadian tennis. He previously served as President of the Nova Scotia Tennis Association and as Chair of the Board of Tennis Canada. In 2009, he became the only Canadian ever elected to the Board of Directors of the International Tennis Federation, the global governing body of tennis, and remains its longest-serving board member. He also founded, and chairs, the Sobeys Atlantic Tennis Centre in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
Mr. Graham succeeds Annette Verschuren, O.C., who has served as CBU鈥檚 Chancellor since 2004, the longest-serving Chancellor in Canadian history. The University extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Verschuren for her visionary leadership, steadfast advocacy and more than two decades of distinguished service to the Cape Breton University 福利免费在线看.
As Chancellor, Mr. Graham will serve as the ceremonial head of the University, preside over convocations and act as an ambassador for the institution, championing its mission of academic excellence, 福利免费在线看 engagement and global citizenship.