One of the University’s longest-standing employees of 37 years, Dr. Jackie Muldoon is being honoured by Trent for her numerous accomplishments and contributions, including a highly successful five-year term as provost and vice-president Academic.

Professor Muldoon served the University with distinction in the role of provost and vice-president Academic from 2015 to 2020. During her term, Prof. Muldoon played a leading role in the development of innovative programming, which promoted increased enrolment, including new undergraduate degrees and new professional Masters programs, as well as establishing key transfer agreements with partner institutions. As a champion for personal development and ongoing education, Prof. Muldoon grew and expanded experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities for students at Trent University, and elevated support for faculty through the Centre for Teaching & Learning. A true visionary, she continued to strengthen and guide efforts to maintain and enhance Trent’s reputation for excellence in teaching, a personalized approach to education, access to faculty and its world-class reputation for research and innovation.

“I feel very lucky to have worked with Dr. Muldoon, and lucky to be able to celebrate her career and her accomplishments,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “She is a giant in the history of Trent – having held a remarkable series of leadership positions over the course of a long career. We will miss her extraordinary insight and her deep understanding. On behalf of the University, I want to warmly thank her for her leadership in so many areas, and wish her equal success in her future endeavours.”

Beginning her career at Trent in 1983 as a professor in the Department of Economics, Professor Muldoon served as head of the Business Administration program from 1998 to 2007 and was appointed director of the School of Education and Professional Learning in 2007, before becoming the first dean of the School in 2010. As dean, Prof. Muldoon successfully guided the growth and development of the School of Education into a leading institution for the study of education in Canada. At Trent, Prof. Muldoon also served as senior tutor and member of the faculty association executive. She also travelled internationally to forge important partnerships and support student recruitment.

Throughout her career, Prof. Muldoon has been celebrated as an advocate for human rights and Indigenous reconciliation. As provost, she sponsored the Provost Lecture Series in Indigenous Studies on Truth and Reconciliation, was instrumental in the development of the Indigenous B.Ed. program, served as chair of the Special Committee on Indigenous Education and introduced the University-wide commitment to Indigenous education for all undergraduate students. 

Prof. Muldoon holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics & Economics from Brock University, an M.A. in Economics from the University of Guelph and a Ph.D. from McMaster University in Economics. An established researcher, Prof. Muldoon focused on health economics, consumer choice and income inequality in the accessibility of health care.