Community collaborations, applied research and institutional governance were the focus of Trent University’s Board of Governors meeting held on Friday, May 8 at Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area’s expanded campus location in the Plaza at 850 King Street. 

President Cathy Bruce highlighted in her opening remarks several recent milestones connected to Trent Durham, including the STRIDE Business Challenge with founding sponsor chancellor-designate Zabeen Hirji, recognition of faculty teaching excellence in the Child & Youth Studies program, and the growth of community-connected learning and experiential education opportunities across the Durham campus. President Bruce also recognized research and program successes from the Peterborough campus, including the tenth anniversary celebration of the Trent/Swansea dual degree law program, the inaugural Collider research event with Peterborough Regional Health Centre, and the provincial announcement expanding the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant to Trent/Fleming School of Nursing students. 

“Across both campuses, we are seeing Trent’s strengths come to life through collaboration, applied learning and research that responds directly to community needs,” said President Bruce. “Whether through healthcare innovation, student entrepreneurship, international collaboration or outstanding teaching, these moments reflect a university that continues to stand out by standing closer.” 

In his opening remarks, Board vice-chair Mike Lavallée congratulated Sustainability Studies student Mutza Danzvara, the selected participant from the Board’s Three Minute Thesis practice competition in March, who went on to place second overall and earn the Audience Choice Award at the University-wide competition for her presentation on barriers to development in Zimbabwe. Continuing to speak about student achievement, Vice-Chair Lavallée encouraged governors to attend upcoming Convocation ceremonies taking place across both campuses in June, including the installation of incoming chancellor Zabeen Hirji ‘25 (hon) and ceremonies celebrating the conferral of honorary degrees to Judy Rebick, Mike DeGagné and Desmond Cole. 

Further Board meeting highlights include: 

Growing hub of learning, innovation and civic leadership in Durham Region
Dr. Scott Henderson, interim vice-president and head of Trent Durham GTA, presented the annual Durham Community Relations Report, highlighting the campus’ growth and role as a collaborative partner across Durham Region. 

The report showcased expanded relationships with municipal leaders, school boards, community organizations and industry, as well as initiatives supporting student experiential learning, workforce development and regional economic growth. Henderson outlined growth in community-engaged programming and expanded opportunities for students to connect with local organizations, through 250 experiential learning opportunities completed in the past year with a network of over 285 municipal, non-profit and industry sector partners. 

He described the success of the first annual STRIDE challenge, where 30 high school, undergraduate and graduate students competed in presentations that address workforce challenges. The event dovetailed with the Student City Takeover 2025, delivered in collaboration with the City of Oshawa, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and regional post-secondary partners, and integrated with the Convergence Music and Art Festival. 

At the meeting, Master of Science in Psychology student Jonathon Smith, the recipient of Trent’s 2026 Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance, also presented about his research on the role of Dungeons & Dragons in supporting social inclusion for neurodivergent youth, which engages local community members as well as community organizations such as Autism Ontario. 

Interdisciplinary insights in cognition, health, aging and technology
The Board participated in an education session led by graduate students Mark McKenzie and Elora Singer focused on community-based research taking place through the Cognition, Health, Aging and Technology (CHAT) Lab at Trent Durham GTA led by Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi. 

Governors learned about the CHAT Lab, where research integrates technology and community organizations to better understand language, memory and communication across the lifespan. Emphasizing Trent’s strengths as a regionally responsive institution, the work involves nearly 20 student researchers annually, with projects ranging from virtual reality studies exploring memory and aging to international research on “elderspeak” in children and its impact on older adults. In collaboration with healthcare organizations, retirement homes and the Alzheimer Society, CHAT researchers are creating meaningful opportunities for students and older adults, including persons living with dementia, to build connection through conversation and shared experiences. 

Financial ratings upgraded
Trent University received a credit rating score from Moody’s Canada Inc. recognizing Trent’s track record of prudent financial management. Moody’s assigned an a1 baseline credit assessment (BCA) and Aa3 long-term issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings, with a stable outlook.  

Morningstar DBRS also upgraded Trent University’s Credit Ratings from A with positive trends to A (high) with stable trends. 

These ratings reflect Trent’s disciplined financial management, strategic positioning, and institutional efficiency while continuing to invest in academic growth and student experience. 

New Board leadership 
Several new appointments to the Board of Governors were approved at the meeting, each for a two-year term starting July 1, 2026:  

• Ken Chen, associate professor in Trent’s School of Business, was appointed to the seat designated for faculty and brings extensive governance expertise from past experiences on University committees, such as the Senate’s Graduate Studies Committee and VP Search committees. 

• Alum Caitlin Jacobs ‘09 was appointed to the seat designated for staff. Jacobs has a background in social service work and counselling, working recently as the University’s student conduct and conduct education coordinator and an urgent care counsellor.  

• Azhia Byrne, a Social Work student, was appointed to the seat designated for a student representative from Trent Durham GTA. Byrne has a background in early childhood education and works as a support worker with Campfire Circle.  

The Board also approved the appointments of Jonathan Dewar and Paul Knight to the seats designated for members of the external community, each for a three-year term ending June 30, 2029: 

• Dewar is the chief executive officer of the First Nations Information Governance Centre, a national organization that works with First Nations partners across the country to administer national surveys and research initiatives, deliver education and training and advance data sovereignty. He earned a Ph.D. in Canadian Studies, exploring the role of art and artists in truth, healing and reconciliation. 

• Knight is the co-founder of the Altavista Advisors ULC. He has over 35 years of experience as an investment banker; working in London, New York, Tokyo and Toronto. Prior to that, Paul practiced law. He was most recently vice-chairman of Barclay’s Investment Bank, holding that position for over 11 years. 

The newly appointed governors bring experience spanning higher education, research, governance, healthcare, finance, community engagement, student support and investment leadership, further strengthening the Board’s expertise and connection to the communities Trent serves. 

Read more stories and updates from Trent University at trentu.ca/news