Nancy Regan

Cape Breton University is delighted to honour and recognize a celebrated television personality and a trusted media professional who credits much of her strong sense of community, storytelling and authenticity to her family ties to Cape Breton, Nancy Regan.

Currently the host of “Showing Up” on Eastlink TV, Nancy started her television career on CTV Atlantic. She built her reputation and profile over 15 years at the helm of “Live at 5”; a highly rated news magazine that dominated the Maritime television market for the duration of her tenure, averaging a nightly audience of 350,000 viewers.

 In this role, Nancy had the opportunity to connect with people from every walk of life on the East Coast of Canada, but she also interviewed many of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry; Oprah, Madonna and Harrison Ford to name a few. She also served as the national host of That News Show and Good Morning Canada while it was based on the East Coast.

 Nancy began acting while studying English at St. Francis Xavier University, and her passion led to professional roles on stage at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre, and in many television and film productions such as Haven,The Trailer Park Boys, and Reversible Errors.

 During the pandemic, Nancy wrote her first book, which became a National Bestseller within two weeks of its release. “From Showing Off to Showing Up” is a disarmingly honest account of a life spent mainly in the spotlight. The subtitle “An Impostor’s Journey from Perfect to Present”  hints at her personal path from a carefully concealed insecurity to confidence.

 This path has also led to her new TV endeavour, “Showing Up” in which she joyfully profiles people in our region who are living their lives in dynamic, authentic ways – driven by purpose and passion rather than the expectations of others. They’re also making the world around them a little better, brighter, and more beautiful.

Contribution is a guiding principle in Nancy’s life, and over the decades of her career, she has donated her time and talent to countless charitable organizations in Halifax and beyond. She was a long-time co-host of the Christmas Daddies Telethon and the IWK Telethon, and is the host of Holiday Magic, an annual televised fundraiser for Dartmouth General Hospital. She has even gone so far as to step into the ring for a celebrity boxing match, raising money and awareness for Shelter Nova Scotia.

Above all, she is a dedicated mother of three whose family inspires her ongoing growth as a communicator and leader.

Today, Cape Breton University confers the degree Doctor of Letters honoris causa, an inspirational role model for Maritimers and a true advocate for authenticity and finding your life’s purpose, Nancy Regan.