Rick Waugh, chair of the York University Board of Governors, sends the following message to the community:

On behalf of the Board of Governors of York University, I am delighted to announce that after an extensive search process that began in December 2015, Dr. Rhonda Lenton has been appointed York University’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor.

Most of you know Professor Lenton. She joined York in 2002 and most recently serves as the University’s Vice-President Academic and Provost, a position she has held since 2012. A respected sociologist, she has taught and published broadly in the areas of gender, health, sexual violence and higher education. Professor Lenton sits on the Boards of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) and eCampus Ontario.

Professor Lenton is a proven and skilled leader, possessing the qualities, skills and experience required to meet York’s needs now—and into the future. She will continue to foster York’s commitment to innovative learning environments, diverse experiential learning, unique cross-disciplinary programs and community-engaged research opportunities.

Professor Lenton is committed to achieving the highest levels of excellence for York as a leading comprehensive university and to building on York’s mission to deliver new ways of thinking that drive teaching, learning and research excellence. A champion of higher education and of York University, she will continue to engage all members of our outstanding community of faculty, staff, alumni and partners in supporting our students and providing them with the education they need to succeed in a global economy.

This is an important day for York University and a dynamic time as we continue to build on our reputation as a progressive university. Together, let’s celebrate the successes that have created this remarkable institution as we look forward to an exciting future under Professor Lenton’s leadership.

Professor Lenton commences her duties as President on July 1, 2017. In the coming months, she will begin planning with the Board of Governors and Dr. Shoukri to ensure a smooth transition of duties and responsibilities, including succession for the position of Vice-President Academic and Provost.

Regards,

Rick Waugh

Chair, York University Board of Governors