President Leo Groarke is pleased to announce the reappointment of Marilyn Burns to a second five-year term as vice-president of Communications and Enrolment at Trent University, effective July 1, 2025.  

“Marilyn has been a driving force behind Trent’s rising reputation, impressive strides in recruitment, and the University’s renewed commitment to its collegiate system – positioning Trent as a leader in higher education,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. "The remarkable progress we've seen in communications and enrolment under Marilyn's leadership is just the beginning. Her expertise and dedication will be instrumental in continuing to guide the University through its next phases of growth and innovation, including the opening of Gidigaa Migizi College – the University’s newest college.” 

VP Burns joined Trent in 2001 and has served in a variety of roles over her 20+ year career at the University, including associate vice-president of Communications & Recruitment, executive director of Marketing & Communications, Recruitment & Admissions, and director of Marketing & Communications.  

Appointed to the role of vice-president, Communications & Enrolment in July 2020, VP Burns leads a diverse portfolio, overseeing 65 staff members across Communications, undergraduate domestic Recruitment, domestic and international Admissions, and Trent’s five Colleges. Her leadership has been pivotal during challenging times, notably through the COVID-19 pandemic, where her teams ensured the University community remained informed, connected, and engaged through rapid transitions between in-person and online education. Under her guidance, the Communications & Enrolment portfolio has flourished, contributing to Trent's esteemed standings in the annual Maclean’s University Rankings as well as significant increases in reputation, and advancing national and international profile for the University. 

VP Burns' tenure is also marked by impressive achievements in recruitment and enrolment, with undergraduate applications and acceptances seeing unprecedented growth. Under her leadership, enrolment at the University has increased 53% across Trent’s two campuses in Peterborough and Durham GTA since 2014.  

Her focus on enhancing the collegiate experience at Trent has led to increased academic advising, academic skills services, and substantial growth in college endowments, fostering a student-focused learning environment with exceptional wrap-around supports. As chair of the Champlain Committee, she led the Champlain Report that led to a number of recommendations, including the naming of Trent’s newest college: Gidigaa Migizi College. 

VP Burns’ involvement in key University committees and her election as vice-chair of the Ontario University Strategic Communications Council at the Council of Ontario Universities underscore her commitment to advancing Trent University's mission and reputation both internally and in the broader academic community. 

In response to her reappointment, VP Burns shared, "I am honoured and excited to continue in my role, building on our successes and facing new challenges head-on. I’d like to thank my team for their focus on Trent’s distinctive qualities, like the Colleges, which alongside strong recruitment and enrolment strategies have been key to our rising reputation. I look forward to further enhancing the Trent experience for our students, faculty, and the broader community, especially as we expand our presence in Durham and welcome the new Gidigaa Migizi College."