A Celebration of Exceptional Leadership: Paying Tribute to Trent's 8th President & Vice-Chancellor
As the University’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Leo Groarke leaves a legacy of accomplishments that have advanced Trent’s academic, administrative, and community profile, in our local communities and around the world.
“A university president and vice-chancellor wears many hats, and President Groarke has donned them all. Over the past decade, the postsecondary sector has evolved in the face of both opportunities and challenges. President Groarke, through careful, critical, and compassionate leadership, has helped Trent University flourish as an academic institution, here in our local communities in Peterborough and Durham GTA, as well as globally. We are confident in the future of Trent, due in large part to President Groarke’s work ensuring a strong and healthy position for our University.”
- Debra Cooper Burger, Chair, Trent University Board of Governors
A Decade of Achievements
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Took Trent’s Reputation to New Heights
Positioning the University as a leader in undergraduate education
Maintained Macleans' ranking as Ontario's #1 undergraduate university each consecutive year, while also capturing an increase in other reputational rankings - both provincially and nationally - for student satisfaction, research, and post-graduation success.
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Attracted Leaders in Innovation & Teaching
Solidifying Trent as an institution of choice for top scholars and researchers
Oversaw the inaugural appointments of the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust & Political Leadership, Associate Deans, the Fulbright Research Chair in Comparative Canada-US Studies, and the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; as well as welcomed eight new Canada Research Chairs in areas ranging from the environment to aging.
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Developed & Transformed State-of-the-Art Campus Spaces
Putting dynamic new spaces and places on the map as a true campus visionary
Transformed Trent’s Peterborough campus, through creation of a new sector-leading Forensics Crime Scene Facility, a modern Student Centre, the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College, and the Bata Library revitalization.
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Expanded Trent’s Impact & Footprint in the GTA
Contributing to growth in programs, enrolment and development of new campus spaces
Substantially expanded Trent’s Durham GTA campus with the creation of a modern new residence and academic building, as well as the Advanced Learning Centre, bringing the transformative Trent experience to downtown Oshawa.
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Inspired Generosity as a Momentous Philanthropic Leader
Supporting and helping raise funds to secure a sustainable future for Trent
Created a strong foundation for a sustainable Trent as a champion of philanthropy, spearheading two of Trent’s largest campaigns, including Unleash the Potential that raised more than $56 million and the Campaign for Momentous Change that was launched in 2023 and has already secured over half of its ambitious $100 million goal.
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Marked Monumental Milestones
Commemorating major anniversaries and milestone moments
Fervently celebrated historical anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of the University in 2014 as well as the 50th anniversaries of Indigenous Studies, Canadian Studies, the Bata Library, and Otonabee College, as well as Trent Durham's 40th. In Leo's final presidential year, Trent will celebrate 60 years, while Trent Durham will mark 50 years.
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Enhanced Academic Offerings
Leading the creation of innovative, dynamic and in-demand new programs
Introduced nearly 100 new academic offerings, including 60+ undergraduate programs, specializations, and options, and expanded graduate programs with 18 Ph.D, Master’s, and diplomas including a first-of-its-kind Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Addiction. Experiential learning opportunities were also enhanced under Leo’s tenure, with the launch of more than 20 new paid co-op streams across the arts, sciences and professional programs.
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Formed Four New Schools of Study
Highlighting Trent’s longstanding leadership in key academic areas
Introduced four new schools of study, including the School for the Study of Canada, School of the Environment, School of Business, and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies – highlighting a commitment to academic leadership, innovation and excellence.
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Optimized Trent’s Numbers
Stabilizing the University’s budgets and investing in the University’s future
Led eight years of balanced budgets and seven years of A stable bond rating, ensuring a strong and stable future for Trent and showcasing Leo’s exemplary leadership in thoughtful and sustainable fiscal management.
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Expanded Trent’s Community of Scholars
Welcoming new students from Canada and around the world through responsible and balanced enrolment growth
Warmly welcomed record-numbers of new students to Trent as a key player in strong increases in applications and enrolment throughout his tenure; seeing a 65% increase in undergraduate enrolment, a 173% increase in international enrolment, and a 366% increase in graduate enrolment.
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Fostered International Engagement
Building a more globalized Trent through international partnerships and collaborations
Grew international reputation and enrolment through research and teaching partnerships, international recruitment efforts, and exchanges. A few of the many new collaborations include relationships with Tianjin University (China), Swansea University (UK), Ibero, Guyana, and four international med schools.
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Led #TrentForward in Unprecedented Times
Safely navigated the University through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Thoughtfully navigated the complexities of the pandemic, helping ensure the safety of students and the University community. The #TrentUCares program for emergency student support funds, housing for local frontline workers, and PPE donations, were just some of the aids provided during this challenging time.
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Committed to Reconciliation
Listening, learning and taking action
Continued Trent’s leadership in Indigenous education, ensuring Indigenous teachings and perspectives are woven into the very fabric of Trent. Initiatives include the establishment of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, the naming of Trent’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi, and launching the mandatory Indigenous Course Requirement – positioning Trent as only one of three Canadian institutions to do so.
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Bolstered Advancement & Responsible Development
Building the future on Trent lands
Outlined a bold campus vision for a sustainable future via The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, approved by the Board of Governors in 2021, laying the groundwork for future developments including Seniors Village, Cleantech Commons, Water Street Housing for upper-year students, and a new Battery Energy Storage System.
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Introduced New Traditions
Adding personal, presidential flair to enduring new initiatives
Embraced Trent’s passion for tradition, while leaving his own unique mark, creating his own innovative customs including Paddle with the President, and Trent’s beloved (and much anticipated) annual holiday video.
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Celebrated Excellence
Honouring the contributions and dedication of Trent faculty and staff
Actively sought and established opportunities to recognize and celebrate all members of the Trent community, including the Heart of Trent employee recognition event and the annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research.
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Elevated Artistic Profile
Embracing unique and diverse works
Put Trent on the map as a destination for art lovers by helping the university acquire a collection of nationally significant works – designated by Heritage Canada – through the Public Sculpture Initiative (PSI).
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Revitalized Trent's Colleges
Affirming commitment to collegiate system, value and traditions
Bolstered the role, identity, and value of Trent’s Colleges by enriching student supports and community development opportunities; as well as with the introduction of Trent's newest college, Gidigaa Migizi.
Support a Legacy
Make a donation in honour of Leo, to the Louis and Paul Groarke Philosophy Endowment Fund at Trent.
Send Leo a Message
What do you feel is Leo’s greatest legacy? Send a personal message to President Groarke to share your thoughts, memories and words of thanks and best wishes.
About President Groarke
Dr. Leo Groarke was installed as Trent's eighth President & Vice-Chancellor in 2014.
Celebrations & Events
Join us for a series of events paying tribute to President Groarke.
