Trent University has appointed Dr. Mark Skinner as provost and vice-president, Academic, effective July 1, 2026, for a five-year term. 

An accomplished academic leader and scholar, Dr. Skinner has served as interim provost since June 2025, guiding the University’s academic mission with a focus on program innovation, policy development, and student success. 

“Mark brings thoughtful, steady leadership and a deep understanding of Trent’s academic strengths,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. “Over the past year, he has demonstrated a clear focus on student learning, faculty excellence, and the kind of innovation that positions Trent to respond to a changing postsecondary landscape. I look forward to the continued impact his leadership will bring to this role.” 

Since joining Trent in 2006 as a professor of Geography, Dr. Skinner has built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader. A faculty member of the Trent School of the Environment, he was also founding director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and former Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging. Recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (college inductee), Dr. Skinner is a leading rural gerontology scholar known for his contributions to research about aging in rural communities around the world.  

“Trent is truly an outstanding university where academic excellence, exceptional learning environments, and community engagement are closely connected,” said Dr. Skinner. “I am honoured to serve in this leadership role and to work hard alongside our inspiring faculty, staff and alumni as we continue to strengthen our programs, support our incredible researchers, and create opportunities for our students to succeed in building meaningful and impactful careers.” 

Dr. Skinner served as dean of Humanities and Social Sciences from 2018 to 2025, advancing interdisciplinary growth, faculty renewal, and program development. 

During his time as interim provost, Dr. Skinner has led several key institutional initiatives that reflect Trent’s forward-looking academic priorities. 

He oversaw the Provost’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group to assess opportunities and risks related to generative AI across teaching, research, and operations. The group’s final report, released in 2025, provides a foundation for how Trent will approach AI in ways that support academic integrity, innovation, and student success. 

He also initiated the Provost’s Forum on Academic Freedom, encouraging open dialogue and constructive conversations on the vital role of universities today.  

Under his academic leadership, Trent has focused on sustaining core academic values amid financial challenges, while continuing to expand program offerings aligned with emerging fields. This includes the launch of new Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence at Trent Durham GTA, offering distinct pathways into applied AI, with paid co-op options that connect students to career experience. 

As provost and vice-president, Academic, Dr. Skinner will oversee Trent’s academic strategic priorities, planning and operations, program quality and development, and faculty affairs, with a focus on sustaining the University’s top-ranked reputation for high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.