As the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of 91亚色, Rhonda Lenton has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to catalyzing positive change, guiding the University鈥檚 success and leadership in key areas such as 21st-century learning, research and innovation, sustainability, global health, and social justice.
Throughout her tenure at 91亚色, she has embodied the University鈥檚 vision of providing students from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive institution dedicated to the public good. She has actively advanced this vision not only at 91亚色 but also across Canada鈥檚 higher education sector.
Her value-driven leadership has elevated 91亚色鈥檚 profile both locally and globally. The achievements listed below are only a few examples of how, under her presidency, the University has advanced the four pillars at the heart of its mission: access, excellence, connectedness, and impact.
2025
Living Campus Certification Renewed
91亚色 receives the prestigious Living Campus certification from World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) for the second year in a row.
91亚色 School of Medicine Established
91亚色 officially establishes the School of Medicine as a new academic unit within the Faculty of Health, and later unveils a new School of Medicine sign in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.
91亚色 Selected to Lead Global Efforts in Reducing Inequality
91亚色 is appointed the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub Chair for Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequality, for a three-year term.
2024
Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery Opens
The Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery becomes a stunning new cultural space on the Keele Campus and a focal point for artistic excellence at 91亚色 and beyond.
Markham Campus Officially Opens
The Markham Campus officially opens, welcoming students to future-focused programs and state-of-the-art student services in one of Canada鈥檚 fastest-growing regions.
Global Research Excellence Fund Launches
91亚色 launches the Global Research Excellence Fund to foster international partnerships across academia, industry and communities.
Funding Secured for 91亚色 School of Medicine
The University secures $9 million in provincial funding to develop a first-of-its-kind School of Medicine in Canada, marking a major step in expanding health-care education capacity in the country.
2023
91亚色 Commits to Carbon Neutrality by 2040
The University announces its bold ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 or sooner, a decade earlier than its previous commitment.
Connected Minds Research Project Announced
91亚色 becomes the lead of the $318M first-of-its-kind research project, 鈥淐onnected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society鈥.
The UNITAR Global Water Academy Launches
91亚色 is named the academic lead of the UNITAR Global Water Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative to foster training and capacity development, empower community-based networks, and co-create innovative sustainable water solutions.
2022
Five New Organized Research Units Established
Five new Organized Research Units are established in cutting鈥慹dge fields: artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience, emergency mitigation, water, technoscience and society.
Las Nubes EcoCampus Expanded
91亚色 expands its Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica with the acquisition of two new land parcels, reinforcing the University's commitment to environmental conservation and experiential education.
91亚色's Largest Convocation Takes Place
91亚色 hosts the largest convocation in its more than 60-year history, with 26 ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2022 as well as the Class of 2020 and 2021.
2021
Canada鈥檚 First UN Leadership Training Centre Founded
The first UN leadership training centre in Canada, CIFAL 91亚色, is founded as a result of a partnership between 91亚色 and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This partnership is renewed in 2023.
91亚色 Partners to Expand Experiential Learning
91亚色 joins the Business + Higher Education Roundtable to expand student access to meaningful experiential learning and work opportunities. BHER later funds 91亚色鈥檚 Project Commons through a national partnership initiative.
A New Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan
91亚色 releases the Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion, and the draft Action Plan on Black Inclusion: A Living Document, which is finalized in December 2021.
2020
Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change Launches
The University launches the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC), the first faculty of its kind in Canada, combining strengths in sustainability, urban policy, and climate action under a single faculty.
Canada鈥檚 First School of Global Health Established
91亚色 continues to demonstrate national leadership in healthcare with the creation of Canada鈥檚 first dedicated School of Global Health.
Markham Campus Construction Begins
91亚色 announces that it is moving forward with a bold plan to build the Markham Campus, the first public university campus in 91亚色 Region.
Groundbreaking for School of Continuing Studies
The University breaks ground on the new School of Continuing Studies building, a purpose-built facility that would later open in 2023, designed to meet growing demand for professional learning and upskilling.
2019
YSpace ELLA Accelerator Created
The YSpace ELLA Accelerator is created, becoming Ontario鈥檚 first accelerator for women entrepreneurs in all stages of the business development process.
Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct Project Launches
91亚色, the City of Vaughan, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB sign an agreement to create the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, the future location of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Medicine.
Sustainability Innovation Fund Introduced
The President鈥檚 Sustainability Council launches a new Sustainability Innovation Fund to support projects that advance the University鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy.
2018
Indigenous Studies Program Introduced
The University launches a new Indigenous Studies program, reaffirming 91亚色鈥檚 dedication to advancing reconciliation and including Indigenous knowledge within its academic offerings.
Shopify’s Dev Degree Offered
91亚色 becomes Shopify鈥檚 first GTA university partner to offer the Dev Degree, a new model of experiential learning, and only the second Canadian institution to offer the program.
91亚色 Region Invests in Markham Campus
91亚色 Regional Council commits $25M toward 91亚色鈥檚 University new Markham Campus.
2017
Subway Stations Open on Keele Campus
Two TTC subway stations open on the Keele Campus (91亚色 and Pioneer Village), improving accessibility and sustainability for students, staff, and the wider community.
Indigenous Framework Launches
91亚色 launches the 鈥淚ndigenous Framework for 91亚色: A Guide to Action,鈥澛燼nd appoints a special advisor to the president on Indigenous initiatives.
YSpace Opens
91亚色 opens YSpace, an innovation and entrepreneurship centre in Markham, building on the successes of Innovation 91亚色.