Stephen Stohn's term as Chancellor ends in June 2026, and a search for Trent's 13th Chancellor will be undertaken throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Senate is responsible for the selection of the University Chancellor, and the Nominating and Governance (N&G) Subcommittee of Senate Executive is leading the search.
The Chancellor confers degrees and diplomas at Convocation, sits as an ex officio member on the Board of Governors and the Senate, and represents the University in an official capacity at external functions from time to time. The Chancellor also enters into and enhances the life of the University in ways that reflect their own interests and talents. The term of office is normally for three years and is renewable. A copy of the approved profile can be found here Chancellor Profile 2025-26.
Individuals who have served as Chancellor of Trent University in the past have included Leslie M. Frost, Eugene Forsey, William L. Morton, Margaret Laurence, John J. Robinette, F. Kenneth Hare, Mary May Simon, Peter Gzowski, Roberta Bondar, Tom Jackson, and Don Tapscott.
Search Committee
The Nominating & Governance Subcommittee (N&G) is a standing subcommittee of Senate Executive that reviews nominations for the Chancellorship and makes recommendations to Senate Executive.
The composition of this subcommittee is as follows:
- President and Vice-Chancellor, or designate (Chair)
- Provost and Vice-President Academic (Vice-Chair)
- 1 Dean
- 2 faculty members of Senate Executive *
- 1 student member of Senate Executive *
- Associate University Secretary (Senate) (secretary, non-voting)
*named by Senate Executive
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Tara Harrington, Associate University Secretary (Senate), at tharrington@trentu.ca or chancellorsearch@trentu.ca.