Trent University Appoints New President Vice-Chancellor

Trent University’s Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Catherine ‘Cathy’ Bruce as the ninth President and Vice-Chancellor who will assume the role on July 1.

Dr. Bruce holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Toronto, as well as a B.A. and B.Ed. from York University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We sought a leader who profoundly understands the unique qualities of Trent University,” said Debra Cooper Burger, board chair. “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.”

Bruce's 35-year career in education includes over 20 years in higher education and has been with Trent since 2003. Bruce served as a professor, director of graduate programs, founder of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, dean of Trent’s School of Education and vice president of Research and Innovation.

She has established the Early Career Researcher Awards and created a Trent-specific Research Grant Incentive Program.

“I am honoured to serve as Trent’s ninth president, ushering the University forward into our next period of strategic growth and sustainability,” said Bruce. “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.”

Bruce has received numerous accolades, including the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award. With a focus on teacher and student efficacy, Dr. Bruce’s career has focused on exploring productive pathways to learning complex concepts and ideas, particularly in mathematics. Her most recent research has examined the role of spatial reasoning in mathematics learning, for which she has been nationally and internationally recognized. Dr. Bruce has co-authored multiple books and has a solid peer-reviewed publication record. Her lab (the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative), hosts a federally funded research program that enables collaboration with educators and administrators from both Public and Catholic school districts across Ontario, all with the support of the lab research team.

Her leadership and service extends from the local community as a member of the board of Peterborough’s regional Innovation Cluster, to the provincial community as a member of the Executive of the Ontario Council on University Research, and nationally as a past president of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education. On the broader stage, Dr. Bruce is a member of the International Program Committee for the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction for Advances in Geometry (ICMI 26).

“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Bruce as Trent’s next president,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “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.”

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