Office of the President

It is a privilege to serve as Trent University’s ninth President and Vice-Chancellor. Having spent more than two decades at Trent, I know that this University and this community are made stronger through connection.

At Trent, learning is personal. We know our students, and curiosity is a life skill we develop and encourage. Trent faculty and staff are deeply invested in student success, creating an environment where people find their place, discover new possibilities, and build the confidence to pursue their future goals.

That is part of what makes Trent the place to be and become.

Across our Peterborough and Durham campuses, we stand out by standing closer: closer to our students, closer to our communities, and closer to the questions and opportunities that shape our future. Our professors, researchers, staff, alumni, and partners connect people and ideas, creating meaningful learning experiences and advancing knowledge with local, national, and international impact.

Universities play an essential role in society. They help develop talent, strengthen communities, and prepare people to navigate a changing world. As a regionally responsive university, Trent contributes to the vitality of the communities we serve while opening pathways to opportunity for students and graduates. From advancing ethical approaches to artificial intelligence and supporting healthy aging, to strengthening sustainable food systems and expanding experiential learning and community-based research, our work is grounded in the needs of our regions and connected to the broader challenges facing society.

As President, I am inspired every day by the people who make Trent an exceptional place of learning and discovery. Together, we continue to build a university that is ambitious in its goals, grounded in its values, and committed to helping people realize their potential.

Thank you for your interest in Trent University. I invite you to explore our website and learn more about the people, research, and learning experiences that continue to shape Trent.

Warm regards,

Cathy Bruce, Ph.D.
President & Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Cathy Bruce is Trent University’s ninth President and Vice-Chancellor, providing leadership for the University’s strategic direction, academic mission, community engagement, and continued growth across the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses.

A respected educator, researcher, and academic leader, Dr. Bruce has spent more than two decades at Trent University. Her work is shaped by a deep commitment to student success, collaborative leadership, research excellence, and the role universities play in strengthening communities and creating opportunity.

As President, Dr. Bruce works closely with Trent’s senior leadership team, faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, the Board of Governors, Senate, and community leaders to advance the University’s mission and support an exceptional learning and research environment.