At its regular December meeting, the Trent University Board of Governors approved several initiatives and appointments, and unanimously appointed two esteemed alumni, Stephen Kylie ‘72 and Sue Graham Parker ‘73, to serve as the next chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the Board starting July 1, 2017, in addition to other appointments.

“I am delighted to see two Trent alumni in the role of incoming chair and vice-chair of the Board of Governors,” said Rod Taylor, current chair of the Trent Board of Governors. “Stephen and Sue are exemplary leaders and enthusiastic supporters of the University in every possible way. It is a sure sign of Trent’s coming of age as the leadership roles of Board chair and vice-chair and chancellor will all be held by successful alumni in 2017.”

Board Chair July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2019: Stephen Kylie

Local lawyer and long-time Peterborough resident, Mr. Kylie has provided leadership to the Board in the capacity of vice-chair for the past year as well as served as chair of the Finance and Property Committee for two years, and chair of Executive Committee this year. Throughout his tenure on the Board, Mr. Kylie has demonstrated strong strategic acumen, stewardship, facilitation of complex initiatives and a keen understanding of the strategic challenges facing the University. Mr. Kylie has a strong record of advocacy and networking, as demonstrated through his high level of community engagement, leadership and volunteerism in the greater Peterborough community. Mr. Kylie was also recently recognized as Business Citizen of the Year by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

“Since celebrating its 50^th anniversary, Trent has gained significant momentum and is at the centre of pivotal initiatives that are having a positive impact throughout our communities and beyond,” said Mr. Kylie. “With growing enrollment, research success, and gains in reputation, this is an exceptional time to take on the role of chair and help guide Trent to a sustainable future.”

Board Vice-Chair July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018: Sue Graham Parker

A recently retired Scotia Bank executive, Sue Graham Parker brings significant government relations, networking, and relationship building and facilitation skills to her role as vice-chair of the Board of Governors. As chair of the Investment and Pension Committee for the past three years, Ms. Parker has provided exceptional leadership, counsel and support on the pension solvency issue and is engaged as part of the University’s advocacy team negotiating with the provincial government, as well as discussions around transition to a jointly-sponsored pension plan. The Board of Governors is fortunate that Ms. Parker is willing to be reappointed for an additional one-year term in order to oversee the transition of the pension plan, and to provide continuity of leadership during this critical period for the University.

“It is a privilege to give back to the University that provided me with so many of the skills and abilities that have served me throughout my career,” said Ms. Parker after the announcement. “I am pleased to take on the role of vice-chair and to continue to lead the Investment and Pension Committee on what is one of the most important issues relating to the institution’s future.”

Additional Board Appointments

In addition to these leadership appointments, the Board also reappointed two members of the Board to second terms: Lucie Edwards ‘73 and Garry Cubitt ’67 were each reappointed for another three-year term.

Two new mid-term appointments were approved at the meeting: Carol Gray ’75 and Scott Sinclair ’80. The Board welcomes the strong business and investment acumen that these two Trent alumni bring to the table.

The University’s Board composition has surpassed its current alumni complement with the announcement of these appointments. 

Increased Budget for Bata Research & Innovation Centre

At the meeting, the Board authorized administration to proceed to the detailed design stage of the previously-approved Bata Research & Innovation Centre, which recently received funding from the federal government’s Strategic Investment Fund and matching provincial funding. The motion allows for an estimated budget increase of $4 million to a minimum of $18 million to allow the University to address issues of deferred maintenance during the extensive renovation process.