In September 1999, Wilfrid Laurier University opened its unique Brantford campus which features a core interdisciplinary program that can be combined with a variety of traditional Arts majors. Since 1909, approximately 20,000 teachers have received their professional education at a program in North Bay.

In 2002, both institutions signed an articulation agreement to promote collaboration between the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University and the Contemporary Studies program offered at Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford campus. The program combines Laurier's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences with Nipissing's long history of providing a rigorous teacher education program that aims to provide well-prepared teachers for Ontario schools.