Dr. Cathy Bruce

Dr. Catherine (Cathy) Bruce, Trent University's ninth President & Vice-Chancellor, is a distinguished educator, researcher, and administrator, with a 35-year career in education, including over 20 years in higher education. Joining Trent in 2003, she has significantly contributed to its growth, serving as a professor, director of graduate programs, founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, dean of Trent's School of Education, and Vice-President of Research and Innovation. As Vice-President, Dr. Bruce oversaw all research activities at Trent, developed strategic research priorities, established the Early Career Researcher Awards, and created a Research Grant Incentive Program. Her efforts in expanding international research collaborations earned trent the top spot for growth in international partnerships in the 2023 Research Infosource rankings.

Dr.Bruce has received numerous accolades, including the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Awards. Her research on spatial reasoning in mathematics learning has gained national and international recognition. She has co-authored several books and has an extensive record of peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Bruce's leadership extends beyond Trent, including roles with Peterborough's regional Innovation Cluster, the Ontario Council of University Research, and the Association of Canadian Deans of Education. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Toronto, and a B.A. and B.Ed. from York University. 

Dr. Bruce was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University on July 1, 2024.