Trent University’s board of governors announced on Friday (February 2) that they have found the university’s next president and vice-chancellor from within the Trent community.
Dr. Catherine (Cathy) Bruce has been appointed the university’s ninth president and vice-chancellor, taking over the role from Dr. Leo Groarke on July 1. She is only the second woman appointed to a full term to lead the university.
An internationally recognized researcher, award-winning educator, and administrator, Dr. Bruce has a 35-year career in education including over 20 years in higher education. Currently the university’s vice-president of research and innovation, she has previously served as a professor, director of graduate programs, founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and dean of Trent’s School of Education.
Dr. Bruce was appointed following a comprehensive nationwide search that began last fall, led by a search committee including board members, faculty, staff, students, and alumni representatives.
“We sought a leader who profoundly understands the unique qualities of Trent University,” said Debra Cooper Burger, board chair and head of the search committee, in a media release. “Dr. Bruce embodies this spirit, bringing an impressive track record of excellence here at Trent and beyond. She is indeed the right person to build upon Trent’s successes and propel the university into an exciting new chapter.”
“Her appointment as only the second woman appointed to a full-term to lead the university as president signifies our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, while her dedication to academic excellence and robust governance aligns perfectly with Trent’s ambitious vision.”
VIDEO: Introducing Trent University’s 9th President & Vice-Chancellor
In her current role as vice-president of research and innovation, Dr. Bruce spearheaded the development of new strategic research priorities for the university, establishing the Early Career Researcher Awards and creating a Trent-specific research grant incentive program.
She also worked with faculty to grow Trent’s international research collaborations. In December, the university was ranked as the number one undergraduate university in Canada for growth in international partnerships and collaborations, as part of a special five-year university spotlight in the 2023 Research Infosource rankings.
“Trent University is an extraordinary place of learning that is deeply committed to student success in a vibrant learning community,” Dr. Bruce said. “I am honoured to serve as Trent’s ninth president, ushering the university forward into our next period of strategic growth and sustainability. This is a pivotal moment for Trent as we undertake some major projects including the development of the Seniors’ Village, new colleges and residences, the Trent Research Farm, and continued expansion of the Durham campus in Oshawa.”
“There are also some significant challenges on the horizon, but Trent has grit and a highly capable community of staff, faculty, board members, and students,” Dr. Bruce added. “I look forward to the exciting developments on the horizon and to navigating challenges through engagement and creativity.”
In 2012, Dr. Bruce was named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations and was a recipient of the Eduardo Flores International Leadership Award in 2015 for her leadership in action research.
With a PhD in mathematics from the University of Toronto, she has been recognized both nationally and internationally for her most recent research examining the role of spatial reasoning in mathematics learning.
Dr. Bruce leads the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative, which hosts a federally funded research program that enables collaboration with educators and administrators from both public and Catholic school districts across Ontario. She has also co-authored multiple books as well as many peer-reviewed publications.
“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Bruce as Trent’s next president,” said Dr. Groarke, whose second term as president and vice-chancellor ends on June 30.
“Having worked closely with Cathy, I’ve witnessed firsthand her leadership and commitment to the university. Her blend of academic insight and administrative acumen positions Trent well for the future. I am happy to pass the presidency on to someone with the passion and innovation that have been the hallmark of her work since she arrived at Trent.”
