Two Trent Alumni Appointed Members of Trent University Board of Governors
Updates on Trent Online and Trent Durham GTA campus expansion project among other board business at May meeting
The Trent University Board of Governors held its fifth regular meeting of the academic year virtually on May 15, 2020.
Appointment of Members of Board of Governors
Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of two alumni as external members of the Trent University Board of Governors. Doug Kirk (’70) and Krista Scaldwell (’86) were each appointed for a three-year term, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023.
Doug Kirk is president and founder of Durham Radio Inc., who has an innovative approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. Under his direction, Durham Radio Inc. has grown from one station to an industry leader in the region. Mr. Kirk’s involvement and passion for the Durham community, paired with his decades of work experience and extensive network, demonstrate his ability as a leader, collaborator and influencer. He holds a degree from Trent in Economics and Chemistry.
Krista Scaldwell is currently the vice-president of Corporate Communications at Canada Life, and brings extensive experience in the private sector and public service, as well as over 20 years of non-profit experience at both the management and board level, and has previously held such roles as chair of the Markham-Stouffville Hospital Board of Directors, and chair of the Board of Action Against Hunger Canada. Ms. Scaldwell is a Trent alumna having graduated with a degree in Economics and Sociology.
Trent Online Update
An update was provided by Trent Online showcasing a decade’s worth of steady growth in enrolment in online courses at Trent University. Also included in the update were the ways that Trent Online is supporting professional development across decanal units at the University. New online programs that were highlighted included Circumpolar Studies online diploma program, Master’s in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, and a new online honours degree in Criminology slated to be ready for enrolment in fall 2021.
Also highlighted was how Trent Online supported departments to respond to COVID-19. Workshops held by Trent Online contributed to the successful transition to remote teaching and final exams in the winter and summer terms.
Durham Campus Expansion Update
Board members received an update on the Trent Durham GTA expansion project and its two initiatives: the construction of a new residence and academic building and the renovations of the existing facility.
The new build is well underway, and is expected to complete by the end of August 2020. The current environment related to COVID-19 has posed various issues for construction projects across the province, and due to construction having not yet commenced in the existing facility, delays have impacted the originally planned timeline. At this time the construction timeline is unknown. Preliminary contingency plans are being formulated to provide temporary Food Services to residence occupants, should delays impact the ability to provide food services by September.
Trent University Durham GTA Community Relations Report
Board members received an update on the community relations efforts taking place at Trent Durham, focused on building partnerships, as well as communication and consultation with various organizations, levels of government, and businesses in the Durham Region. This presentation also included an update on the ways that Trent Durham has supported the local community throughout the challenges presented by COVID-19.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Cara Walsh, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca
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