Jonny Chard | News Editor
Featured image: Dr. Rhonda Lenton is the current vice-president academic and provost. | Courtesy of York Media
Dr. Rhonda Lenton has been announced as York’s eighth president and vice-chancellor, and will succeed Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri on July 1, 2017.
Lenton, the current vicepresident academic and provost, joined York in 2002 and has taught and published numerous papers on gender, health, sexual violence and higher education.
She also sits on the Boards of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer and eCampus Ontario.
Rick Waugh, chair of York’s Board of Governors, announced the appointment and emphasized why Lenton has been chosen to take York forward.
“Rhonda Lenton is a proven leader and will chart a successful course for York University’s next f ive years,” he said.
“[She] will seize the opportunities ahead and champion our commitment to achieving the highest levels of excellence.”
Lenton’s appointment is set to provide mixed responses from members of the community, following open letters from a number of professors and the York University Graduate Students Association, or YUGSA, in opposition to the search process.
Professors Jody Berland and Ricardo Grinspun wrote an open letter to the Board of Governors in November 2016 citing a lack of support from the York community.
“After speaking to dozens of York faculty and staff about the presidential search, we found no support for her to become the next president; most commonly, the reaction was shock and disbelief about the possibility,” it read.
On Tuesday, the York CrossCampus Alliance, a group made up of graduate students, staff and faculty, criticized the selection process in a public letter. They demanded that the Presidential Search Committee select a president who reflects the values of social justice, community and inclusivity.
“The appointment of a candidate is not the same thing as the completion of a successful search. [It] would impose a decision on the community against its will, and set in motion a period of increasingly strained labour and student relations with the York administration,” they said.
President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri has offered his unequivocal support for Lenton, however, stating that she is a strong advocate for the values that define York.
“I know she will continue our positive momentum of growth, academic excellence and incredible learning opportunities for our students, who are at the heart of every decision we make,” he said.
Lenton has also stated her gratitude for the appointment and that she is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for York.
“I am honoured by this opportunity to lead York,” she stated.
“York was founded on progressive values, and I will continue to foster diverse perspectives and improve access to high-quality postsecondary education.”
Lenton’s appointment marks the end of a search process that began in December 2015. A 14-member committee comprised of representatives from the University Senate and the Board of Governors conducted the search, guided by principles established in 2005 and consultations with the York community.
