For Chandra Narra ’15, Trent Durham was more than just a university – it was a launchpad for personal and professional growth. 

Transferring from a larger institution, Narra sought a more engaged campus experience, and he found just that at Trent Durham. He chose Trent Durham for three key reasons: its small campus environment, proximity to Toronto, and closeness to home. From serving as a resident advisor and later vice president of University Affairs with the Trent Durham Student Association, Narra’s time at Trent was anything but ordinary. 

"At my previous school, I felt like just another student in a massive lecture hall," said Narra. "At Trent Durham, I built relationships with my professors, got involved in student government, and even contributed to the planning of the new campus buildings. It was a hands-on experience that shaped my future in ways I didn’t expect. It was the best decision I could have made." 

Since his time as a student, Narra witnessed firsthand the incredible expansion of the Trent Durham campus. Today, the campus has grown significantly with a new residence and academic building offering students new learning spaces, residences, and a thriving community. 

"It’s surreal to see how much has changed," Narra said. "When I was a student leader, I was part of the committee that helped plan this expansion. Now, coming back and seeing those ideas turn into reality is amazing. The campus has grown beyond what we even projected back then."

Narra graduated from Trent Durham in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) specializing in Marketing and Consumer Culture. The hands-on experience he gained in the program – including building financial statements and developing business proposals and reports – supported his career success after graduation. Now a project manager at Canadian Tire Corporation, Narra works on large-scale supply chain and automation projects, focusing on change management and strategic planning. The critical thinking skills he developed at Trent helped him stand out during the hiring process. 

"I remember asking my boss, ‘Why did you pick me as I am fairly green to the field?’ and he said, ‘I can teach someone the job, but I can’t teach the way you think and lead.’ That came directly from my time at Trent, balancing leadership roles, academics, and real-world experience all at once."

In 2024, Narra returned to Trent Durham as a sessional faculty member, teaching in the School of Business at the ALC site. Now, he sees his journey as coming full circle. 

"Trent Durham gave me the confidence to take on challenges beyond the classroom," said Narra. "It wasn’t just about academics, it was about learning how to lead, problem-solve, and adapt. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career, and now I get to pass them on to the next generation of students."

As an instructor, Narra now fosters the same hands-on, discussion-based learning that helped him thrive as a student. His goal? To be the professor who values open dialogue and practical learning. 

"I tell my students, you’re not just here to learn from me. You’re here to learn from each other. That’s what makes Trent special."