Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell, C.M., Ed. D. is a theatre artist, professional performer, teacher, independent television producer/director, a founder of Vision TV and is currently the 10th Chancellor at Lakehead University. She has received numerous awards including the Order of Canada in 2005 with the citation saying in part, “Rita Deverell’s career in journalism has been one of pioneering innovation and creativity. With an unceasing drive for social justice, she is one of the first Black women in Canada to be a television host and a network executive… An inspiring mentor and teacher, she serves as a role model for young journalists and audiences alike.”

Dr. Deverell will share with us her trials, tribulations and successes on her journey to becoming Lakehead’s 10th Chancellor.

Known for breaking barriers for women and people of colour, Dr. Deverell is a

scholar and founder of Vision TV. In 2005, she concluded her term as News

Director at APTN and was appointed to the Order of Canada for her pioneer work

in broadcasting.

In 2018, Dr. Deverell was named Woman of the Year for her contributions to arts

and Activism by the Alliance of Cinema, Television and Radio Artists. Her book,

American Refugees: Turning to Canada for Freedom, published in 2019, is

available in bookstores.

She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the CBC, an Adjunct Professor of Women’s Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University and of Education at Lakehead University and was recently a Trustee of the Royal Ontario Museum.

For 29 years Dr. Deverell and her husband, who grew up in Orillia, have made

their home in Oro-Medonte.

Dr. Deverell’s topic is, “The Power of Wrinkles”.