President Leo Groarke is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Khan as the new provost and vice-president academic of Trent University, effective August 1, 2020 for a five-year term. 

Dr. Khan has been the dean of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor since 2011, where he has overseen the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics & Recreational Services, and been involved in many cross-faculty endeavours. Prior to his appointment at the University of Windsor, he was the head of the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University, Wales, U.K.

Professor Khan brings a diverse background and an international perspective to the role of provost and vice-president academic. He grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, a country with a uniquely diverse and multicultural heritage; attended university in three different provinces in Canada; and worked in the United Kingdom for 12 years.

“It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of Prof. Khan to this key leadership role within the University,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The committee was impressed with the extent to which he embodies the values of diversity, critical thinking, and the collaboration which is such a central part of the transformative experience at Trent. We warmly welcome him to Trent as we thank Dr. Jackie Muldoon for her extraordinary leadership and contributions to the University over many years.”

In both the UK and Canada, Prof. Khan led strategic growth at Universities in the face of financial challenges; introduced new undergraduate and graduate programs; was active in marketing, recruitment, and fundraising; increased research grants; established links with industry and social service; and increased efficiencies, reflecting his strong belief in investing in people and infrastructure.

Armand La Barge, chair of the Board of Governors for Trent University added: “In these changing times for universities everywhere, there is no doubt that Prof. Khan will use his considerable skills and experience to help Trent define its academic future and continue on a trajectory of success both in Peterborough and at our Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area.”

At the University of Windsor, Prof. Khan promoted inclusivity and diversity in the faculty and campus community, adding Indigenous content to first-year courses, coaching and recreation programs. In his role as dean of Human Kinetics, he championed and led the development of the Lancer Sport and Recreation Center (LSRC), a $73M project that is one of the most exciting in the history of the University.

“I was attracted to Trent University for its reputation as a leading liberal arts and science institution that embraces the interplay between innovative research, excellence in teaching, and experiential learning,” said Prof. Khan. “It has always been clear to me that Trent is a student-centred institution that prioritizes student satisfaction, support, and success as it prepares graduates to have a significant impact as global citizens. These values are consistent with my own goals as an academic administrator in creating supportive and enjoyable environments in which faculty, staff, and students work together to flourish in pursuit of excellence.”

Prof. Khan’s experience bridges academic and administrative leadership that also spans strategic enrollment management, fundraising, and creative partnerships. At Bangor University, he took a team-oriented approach in developing partnerships in the public and private sectors by establishing innovative, high-impact research groups. While in Windsor, he led the development of the Center for Human Performance and Health, and has been active in promoting links with healthcare and sport organizations, school boards, businesses and charities.

With a research background in cognitive processes underlying movement control and learning, Prof. Khan’s research focuses on the visual control of manual  movements. Additionally, he brings a tremendous background in athletics, as a former elite athlete with over 25 years of coaching experience, Prof. Khan also has an interest in talent identification and expertise development. His published works concentrate on the role of visual feedback in skill acquisition, selective attention, dual-task interference, and rapid decision making.

Prof. Khan holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University.