University of Winnipeg acting president says it's more than simply a university

Jino Distasio became acting president on Dec. 12 and says the University of Winnipeg should be an open, community-centred institution; he plans to stay connected to teaching and to revisit the soccer program.

Jino Distasio stepped into the role of acting president and vice-chancellor on Dec. 12. He is an urban geography professor who said “I bleed U of W red” and described the university as more than simply a university. Distasio has spent decades researching urban revitalization and housing insecurity and plans to remain connected to the classroom, with one course scheduled next term. He also signalled an intent to revisit the university's soccer program and to support student opportunities beyond academics. Key points: - Distasio became acting president on Dec. 12 and has been a long-time faculty member at the University of Winnipeg. - He has spent about 26 years teaching and researching urban revitalization and housing insecurity and is known for work on the “housing first” principle. - The leadership change followed the board of regents removing Todd Mondor; senior administration provided few details about Mondor’s departure. - The former president cited a drop in student enrolment after a federal cap on international students and froze hiring, discontinued specialized English-support programming for newcomers, and scrapped the women’s soccer team in 2024–25. - Distasio has served as acting dean and permanent vice-president, directed the Institute of Urban Studies from 2000 to 2019, and worked closely with former president Lloyd Axworthy; he will step away from consulting on Axworthy’s rail reallocation study. - Premier Wab Kinew described Distasio as “the perfect person” for the interim role and praised his longstanding connection to the university and expertise on urbanism. Summary: Distasio says he will emphasise the university’s role as an open, downtown institution integrated with its neighbourhoods while keeping ties to teaching and research. He indicated he will work with provincial officials on matters related to international students and continue collaboration with other post-secondary institutions and research projects. Whether he will seek the permanent presidency will be determined during the interim “test drive.”