ManitobaJino Distasio, an urban geography professor at the University of Winnipeg, has been temporarily elevated to the institution’s highest office.Distasio has been at U of W for 25 years, serving as professor and administrator CBC News · Posted: Dec 10, 2025 9:34 AM EST | Last Updated: 6 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Jino Distasio will fill the dual role of president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg while the board of regents searches for someone to step in permanently. (Warren Kay/CBC)Jino Distasio, an urban geography professor at the University of Winnipeg, has been temporarily elevated to the institution’s highest office.The board of regents has appointed Distasio as interim president and vice-chancellor, effective Dec. 12. He’ll fill the role while the board searches for someone to permanently fill the roles.Todd Mondor, who was president and vice-chancellor since April 1, 2022, and whose term was set to run until June 30, 2027, was ousted last month.The board voted unanimously to part ways with Mondor on Nov. 24, after the issue of whether to recommend his reappointment came to a review, chair Michelle Pereira previously told CBC News.”We’re starting a new strategic plan, and I believe that we need to refocus our leadership,” she said.In addition to teaching and supervising students for 25 years, Distasio’s administrative commitment to U of W spans two decades, including more than 10 years as vice-president of research and innovation, in which his leadership supported tremendous growth in research activity and the Canada Research Chair program, the university stated in a news release.He also recently served as acting provost and vice-president, academic, and as acting dean of science and kinesiology.The University of Winnipeg parted ways with its most recent president and vice-chancellor, Todd Mondor, last month. (Darren Bernhardt/CBC)Distasio, widely known for his energy and passion for community engagement, has served on many local and national committees and boards within the community development sector, and is a leading voice — both locally and nationally — on a variety of topics such as urban policy, poverty, transportation, and inner-city renewal, the U of W release stated.“The board is grateful to Dr. Jino Distasio for stepping into this role during this important time of transition,” Pereira is quoted in the news release.More information about the search process for a permanent president will be shared in the new year, the release states.
Jino Distasio appointed as UWinnipeg interim president and vice-chancellor
