The Board of Governors of the University recognizes individuals who have contributed to the growth, development, welfare, and well-being of Northwestern Ontario, Simcoe County and of Lakehead University. This is done by the conferring of the title Fellow of the University. You will recognize University Fellows by their familiar blue gown with a white velvet scarf.
Dr. Nancy Luckai (Professor emerita) began her Lakehead journey by completing Forestry undergraduate and Masters degrees (1978, 1981) followed by a PhD (2004) through Guelph. Her interest in forest ecology and soils led to the creation of a nationally accredited analytical lab serving researchers, industry and citizens. Assisted by energetic and committed students, employees and colleagues, the FoReST (Forest Resources and Soils Testing) Lab generated resources that provided training opportunities and quality results for over 20 years. In 2012, she was recognized by Lakehead (Innovation Award) and the Northwestern Ontario Businesswomen’s Association (Woman of Influence (Public Sector) Award). In addition to research and academics, Nancy chaired the BOD of the Nanabijou Childcare Centre and the National Training and Development Centre (X-country skiing) while maintaining an active membership in the Canadian Institute of Forestry and registration as a Professional Forester in Ontario. Her commitment to academic programming was key during her appointment as Lakehead’s Deputy Provost and continues through her role as a reviewer for the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board. One of her longest standing volunteer commitments is to Lakehead’s Alumni Association. In the mid-80s, Nancy became Head Student Marshal supporting the Office of the Registrar by ensuring that the students arrive on stage quickly and in the correct order! She served a full 10 year term on the BOD of the Alumni Association and was named Director emerita in recognition of her contributions. Nancy credits her family (husband Frank, daughter Krista and son Philip), students, colleagues and volunteer associates with any success she has enjoyed over the years.
Kevin Cleghorn is a self-employed lawyer practicing in Thunder Bay. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with an LLB in 1982 and a BA in 1983. He obtained his LLM (family law) from Osgoode Hall in 2012. He has been called to the bars of Ontario (1984), Manitoba (1993) and Saskatchewan (1994). He is a certified specialist in family law, was accredited as a family law mediator by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation in 2022 and was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals in 2022.
He has served as a deputy judge for Small Claims Court in the Northwest Region since 1999, is a past president of the Thunder Bay Law Association, past chair of the board of Governors of Lakehead University and a past president of the United Way of Thunder Bay. He is on the child representation panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. He has taught at Lakehead University since 1994 for the Department of Political Science and/or the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. He was appointed as an external adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at Lakehead University in 2008 and was the recipient of the Contribution to Teaching Award at Lakehead University in 2007 (and was nominated for that award on three other occasions). He received the James L. Murray Memorial Award from the Thunder Bay Law Association for displaying the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and civility in 2025.
Kevin is the proud father of two wonderful and beautiful daughters, Jacqueline and Kristen.
Chief Ted Williams is a proud member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and a respected leader and entrepreneur with over 40 years of service to his community. Known both for his iconic chainsaw bear carvings and his role as the current Chief of Rama First Nation, he was instrumental in the successful development of Casino Rama—a $200 million project completed in just 18 months. His diverse background includes work as a real estate agent, membership on the Ontario Parole Board, and over 13 years as a consultant and speaker specializing in leadership, strategic planning, and personal development. Above all, Ted takes the greatest pride in his family: his wife of 46 years and their two accomplished children.
