Nona Robinson, the associate vice president students, along with the colleges hiring committee, are delighted to announce that the new college heads and director of colleges have been selected.

This new team will work closely with each other, members of each college, and with Trent and Peterborough community, in order to further enhance the programming and activities in the Symons campus colleges. This will include college community development in conjunction with college student leadership, enhancing co-curricular academic programming, providing student support through full-time and student staff, delivering skills training for student success, and helping all students develop a close connection to their college, academics, and the University. These new initiatives are all intended to help colleges shape a superlative Trent student experience.

The new colleges team includes:

Barry Townshend – Director of Colleges. Barry has been the manager of the Centre for New Students at the University of Guelph, and prior to that he also worked in counselling and residence life. He holds a Master of Social Work degree and has taught Guelph’s first year seminar courses in topics such as sex, gender and sexuality; poverty; politics, science and the environment; and health care and diversity. He has aslo been a field instructor for Wilfrid Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work. He has undertaken a range of research projects and has made numerous conference presentations related to student success. He is drawn to Trent for the opportunity to be engaged in a conversation about strong college communities that support students in every facet of their lives.

Lindy Garneau – Gzowski College Head. Lindy is a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. At Trent, she has held positions in the Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services, the Indigenous Studies Department, and the First Peoples House of Learning. Lindy completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent and is currently working toward completing a Master of Education in Post-Secondary Studies, focusing on the transformational experiences of students in the university classroom.

Ashley Wall – Otonabee College Head. Ashley has worked in Student Housing Services at Algonquin College, and as well at the University of Guelph as a residence manager and programme co-ordinator, including supporting Guelph’s Interhall Council. She has also worked at Trent’s Student Accessibility Services. She is a proud graduate of Trent University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and is thrilled to return to Otonabee College, where she lived in first year.

Melanie Sedge – Champlain College Head. Melanie has worked at Trent University in the departments of Canadian Studies, Continuing Education and Athletics & Recreation. Her most recent role has been the camps and leadership programs co-ordinator. Melanie has a degree from the University of Guelph, and post graduate diplomas from Fleming College and Trent University. She is excited to be taking on this new role at Trent University which will build on all of her experiences to date.

Lindsay Morris – Lady Eaton College Head. Lindsay has been working at Trent as the campus and co-curricular programs coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs, where she has been developing student leadership programs, student support programs, and the co-curricular record. Prior to this, she completed a Concurrent Education program from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she also worked in Student Affairs. Lindsay is excited to continue her journey at Trent by continuing to enhance the community and build new connections within Lady Eaton College.

As well, Dr. Michael Eamon has agreed to undertake an interim appointment as Traill College Principal. Michael teaches at Trent, and is the former principal of Lady Eaton College, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the music library, art gallery, and partnership with Black Honey. He is known in the community and around the country for his work in arts, culture, history and heritage. He is also the new director of Continuing Education at Trent.

The new colleges team will be starting their positions this month, and are eagerly looking forward to working closely with all members of the Trent community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to them! Thanks also go to the colleges hiring committee for their hard work and thoughtful deliberations, and to the outgoing college staff for their dedication to Trent’s colleges.