Provost & Vice President Academic
Trent University
In 2015 Trent University celebrates 50 years as one of Canada’s most unique and progressive
universities. On its Peterborough and Durham campuses, the emphasis is on interaction: between
students, faculty and staff; between the different scholarly disciplines; between scientific and traditional
ways of knowing; and between the university and the broader community. Trent’s success at both
teaching and research have positioned it as one of Canada’s top-ranked small universities, well known
for its commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary teaching and research, sustainability,
indigenous education, and social justice (www.trentu.ca).
As Trent prepares for the challenges of its second half century, it seeks a Provost & Vice-President
Academic with vision, energy and a history of success. Reporting to the President, the Provost is the
university’s chief academic officer, overseeing Trent’s academic administration, and the strategies,
planning, development, implementation and assessment of its academic priorities, policies and
programs. The Provost will work closely with the President, Deans, faculty, student leadership and other
key stakeholders to build on Trent’s achievements, set priorities and develop and execute the strategies
needed to position it for long term success.
The new Provost will have significant assets to work with. They include a spectacular Peterborough
campus, renowned for its architecture and natural beauty; a Durham campus located in Oshawa, in the
heart of the growth that characterizes GTA east; a history of success, academic excellence and
innovative programming; highly regarded faculty and an engaged student community; a remarkable
research profile; supportive local communities and alumni; 1500 acres of endowment lands; and a
willingness to embrace a distinct approach to education.
The ideal candidate is a respected colleague and academic leader who courageously meets new
challenges, knows how to support organizations and teams in transition, and fosters a culture of
innovation and accountability. In addition to a Ph.D. or other terminal degree, Trent is looking for
someone with strong administrative experience in a senior academic role who is respected for their
judgement and balanced decision making, a collegial approach to problems, and high academic and
scholarly standards. They will bring to Trent skills and experience in budgeting and planning, experience
implementing and supporting institutional change, a record of community partnerships, and the ability
to inspire internal and external communities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the
current post-secondary landscape and be able to balance academically strong liberal arts and sciences,
professional education, indigenous knowledge, and new programming which reflects the needs and
concerns of an ever changing society.
As a resourceful, academic leader, you have a bias to action and are ready to assume a critical role at
one of Canada’s best universities. To apply, please submit your resume and related information by
email to mnaufal@boyden.com and gmccullough@boyden.com.
The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to Canadian citizens
and permanent residents of Canada. The University is an inclusive and equitable campus encouraging
applications from qualified women and men including persons with disabilities, members of visible
minorities and Aboriginal persons.