Before an audience of graduating students and their families, faculty, staff and community members, Zabeen Hirji ‘25 (hon) O. Ont., was officially installed as Trent University’s 13th chancellor, launching a three-year term focused on inspiring students to lead in an evolving workforce. 

Recognizing decades of experience shaping talent, leadership and organizational culture, Chancellor Hirji’s appointment reflects a shared priority between Trent and the broader business community: developing graduates who are skilled technically and equipped with the judgment and adaptability to lead alongside emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. 

“Chancellor Hirji brings exceptional experience and insights that exemplify the combined power of determination, creativity and human-centred leadership,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University.

“Zabeen believes in challenging and supporting students so that they are equipped and motivated to contribute meaningfully in their communities and careers.” 

During her term, the award-winning business leader and former chief human resources officer at RBC will work to deepen connections between classroom learning and real-world application. Chancellor Hirji will offer mentorship and guidance on experiential learning across programs, such as co-op, research and placements, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and experience. She will also continue as founding sponsor of Trent Durham’s STRIDE Business Challenge, expanding opportunities for students to develop and test solutions to complex challenges in a challenging and supportive environment. 

“Universities prepare young people for careers or entrepreneurship. The best universities do more than that. They prepare you for leadership, citizenship and purposeful lives,” said Chancellor Hirji in her installation speech. 

“As technology becomes more capable, the qualities that make us human become even more important.” 

At Trent, Chancellor Hirji will enhance the University's efforts to equip inclusive and responsible leaders. She will collaborate with students on topics such as the ethical and responsible development of AI through Trent Durham’s AI programs and expressed a strong commitment to helping all students strengthen human capabilities. 

“Trent brings proven strengths to this moment: interdisciplinary learning that connects science and the arts and humanities, AI and philosophy, and values Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Experiential learning that encourages students to seek diverse perspectives, which improves critical thinking and drives innovation,” she said.  

For Chancellor Hirji, the role at Trent is also an opportunity for her to engage in a new way of learning and helping others find and connect with their purpose.  

“As the world becomes more complex and uncertain, clarity of purpose becomes even more important,” said Chancellor Hirji.

“I encourage you to look for your sweet spot: the intersection between your purpose, your strengths, what the world needs, and what you need to build a good life...As I begin my next chapter, as Chancellor, I look forward to...supporting students to feel they belong and to become inclusive leaders, active citizens and changemakers.” 

Watch Chancellor-Designate Hirji’s installation speech and learn more about her vision and goals for the role as she officially begins her term on July 1.  

Chancellor Hirji succeeds Dr. Stephen Stohn ‘66, who held the position of Trent chancellor for seven years.