New Board Chair and Vice-Chairs Appointed at February Board of Governors Meeting
Governors meet with student leaders at annual luncheon
The Trent University Board of Governors held its third regular meeting on February 15, 2019 at the Bata Library at the University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough.
Appointment of Board Chair and Vice-Chair for 2019-20
Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of Armand La Barge as the new chair of the Board for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2019.
Mr. La Barge was first appointed to the Board of Governors July 1, 2015. Throughout his tenure on the Board, Mr. La Barge has demonstrated strong strategic acumen, and demonstrates exceptional leadership skills. During his first term, Mr. La Barge chaired the Endowment Lands Committee, the Endowment Lands Task Force, and the Finance and Property Committee. Most recently, Mr. La Barge, as vice-chair, chairs Executive Committee and sits as an ex-officio member of Investment & Pension Committee and Finance & Property Committee. Mr. La Barge is also the Board representative on the Trent University Aboriginal Education Council.
An alumnus of Trent University (’95), Mr. La Barge has an impressive record of leadership and engagement on critical social issues: former chief of police of York Regional Police; leadership appointments on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as associate membership on the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association; former chair of Special Olympics Ontario; immediate past chair and member of the Board of Directors of the St. John Ambulance Council for Ontario; co-chair of the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada Advisory Board and member of Universal Peace Federation.
“Armand La Barge brings exceptional leadership abilities and experience with complex organizations. His deep knowledge of Trent and passion for the institution as a dedicated alumnus are ever-apparent in his balanced and considered approach to governance,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Armand will move into the role of chair as Stephen Kylie (‘72), another unwavering supporter and alum of Trent, completes his two-year term on June 30, 2019. We wish to thank Stephen for his dedication and solid governance which leave us poised for continued success.”
“It has been a pleasure to serve Trent University in various governance roles and I welcome this upcoming opportunity to chair a diverse and able Board of Governors,” said Armand La Barge. “It is a particular privilege to take on this role as the University is ready to take advantage of many milestones and accomplishments to date, including growth in reputation and enrollment in Peterborough and at our Durham campus in the GTA.”
The Board also approved the appointment of two vice-chairs of the Board of Governors. Robyn Jacobson was reappointed as a vice-chair and Carol Gray was appointed as a new vice-chair. They’ll each serve for a one-year term from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.
Dr. Robyn Jacobson holds the degrees of B.Com, LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. Her first degrees were awarded in South Africa and her Ph.D. is from York University. Her background is in law, university teaching and administration, and conflict management. She lectured in law for over 10 years, and has also held the following senior university positions: professor, academic registrar, director of the law school, and director of academic integrity. Dr. Jacobson is a mediator, facilitator and conflict management consultant; she started Managing Conflict in Education to provide training and coaching in conflict management and to conduct mediations, facilitations, and conflict assessments in the education sector. She also focuses on workplace and community disputes, emphasizing restorative processes. Dr. Jacobson will be reappointed to the Board of Governors for an additional three-year term commencing on July 1, 2019. Dr. Jacobson has demonstrated strong leadership on the Board with regard to governance, and her reappointment will provide critical leadership continuity.
Ms. Carol Gray is the former president and general manager of Equifax Canada having held the position from 2008-2014. Prior to her role at Equifax Canada she was the executive vice-president of Small Business Banking at CIBC from 1997-2003. Ms. Gray has a wealth of corporate and not-for-profit governance experience, including IFM Investors (Australia), American Express Bank of Canada, Infrastructure Ontario and Lands Corporation, Equifax, Ontario Realty Corporation, TBayTelecommunications, Trillium Health Centre Foundation, Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Canadian Women's Foundation, Mount Royal University Foundation, and Grace Hospital Foundation (Calgary, Alberta). Ms. Gray holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Trent University and an M.B.A. from Western University. Additionally Ms. Gray holds the ICD.D designation, granted by the Institute of Corporate Directors. Ms. Gray will be reappointed to the Board of Governors for an additional three-year term effective July 1, 2019 and brings a strong record of leadership in the corporate sector, and a keen understanding of public-private partnerships and development to the Board.
Luncheon with Student Leaders
As part of its February meeting, the Board met over an extended lunch with student leaders from student associations and college cabinets. The lunch provided an opportunity for students to engage with governors on current issues, challenges, opportunities and strategies for the future. The Board thanked the student leaders for their insights and thought-provoking comments.
Student Presentation
The Board heard a deputation from Brandon Remmelgas, president of the Trent Central Student Association who made a presentation about the Ontario government’s announcement regarding the Student Choice Initiative.
Next Meeting
The Board will hold its next regular meeting on March 29, 2019 at the Durham Greater Toronto Area campus in Oshawa.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Marilyn Burns, associate vice-president, communications & recruitment, Trent University
(705) 748-1011 x6180 or mburns@trentu.ca
If you no longer wish to receive news releases and advisories from Trent University, please email communications@trentu.ca to unsubscribe. Accessible versions of this document are available upon request at trentu.ca/accessible