Trent University announces the appointment of Dr. Mark Skinner as interim provost and vice-president, Academic, effective June 1, 2025, as Dr. Michael Khan takes on a new role as president of Saint Mary’s University in July 2025.

Under Dr. Khan’s leadership as provost and vice-president, Academic, the University made great strides in program innovation, international expansion, and experiential learning. He passes the torch to Professor Skinner who has a distinguished academic career, bringing a deep understanding of the University’s academic mission to the role. Since 2018, Dr. Skinner has served as dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, overseeing Trent’s largest academic division and playing a pivotal role in faculty renewal, program development, and interdisciplinary growth. 

“Dr. Skinner’s extensive experience and commitment to advancing Trent’s academic excellence make him ideal to lead as Provost and VP Academic,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “As a leader, researcher, and educator, he has long been a champion for student success, faculty scholarship, innovative programming and community engagement. We look forward to his leadership in this interim role as we continue to build on Trent’s strong academic foundation.”

Since joining Trent as a geography professor in 2006, Dr. Skinner has held a variety of leadership positions, including as founding director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging. As dean, he has worked closely with Dr. Khan to strengthen Trent’s academic offerings in the humanities, social sciences and business. His contributions to University initiatives include supporting Trent’s sector-leading Indigenous course requirement as well as the research and teaching agreement that is pivotal to the University’s future Seniors Village.

“I love the Trent community and believe strongly in the values that nurture and sustain our exceptional student learning experience,” said Dr. Skinner. “I look forward to leading and supporting our inspiring faculty as we continue to create opportunities for students to explore their interests, expand their horizons and succeed in building meaningful and impactful careers.” 

Honouring Dr. Michael Khan’s Academic Leadership

Dr. Khan has served as Trent’s provost and vice-president, Academic since 2020, playing a key role in shaping the University’s academic direction. During his time at Trent, Dr. Khan spearheaded the development of the University’s Academic Plan, guided by 12 core principles to strengthen academic programming, research, and student success.

Under his leadership, and through the efforts of so many at Trent, the University introduced a range of new undergraduate and graduate programs, reflecting Trent’s commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary learning. Programs include Health & Behaviour, Human Rights & Global Justice, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, expansion of the Kinesiology program, as well as a raft of postgraduate certificates and more than 30 paid co-op streams spanning arts, sciences, and professional programs. At the graduate level, he oversaw the launch of the Interdisciplinary Social Research Ph.D., Psychology Ph.D., Master of Arts Management, and several streams under Applied Modelling and Master of Management. 

“Dr. Khan has made a lasting impact on Trent’s academic landscape,” added President Bruce. “His leadership has strengthened our program offerings, expanded student opportunities, and contributed to a thriving and inclusive academic community. We are grateful for his many contributions to Trent and wish him success in his next chapter.” 

A champion of academic innovation, internationalization and strategic enrolment growth, Dr. Khan contributed to Trent’s overall enrolment growth and developed professional pathways to connect Trent students to careers in health and medical fields.

Dr. Khan also provided steady academic leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the integrity of Trent’s academic programs and ensuring a safe and effective return to the in-person educational experience Trent is known for.

“My time at Trent has been a tremendous experience,” said Dr. Khan. “I feel privileged to have worked with exceptional colleagues at an institution that is so agile in its academic planning that we could respond to the changing needs and interests of both students and the professional sector and launch innovative programs. Connecting with students to learn about their goals and aspirations is what drives my work, and I hope the work that we have done here will be as meaningful for today’s and tomorrow’s Trent students as it is for me.”

Plans for a formal search for Trent’s next provost and vice-president, Academic are in development.