As the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of York University, Rhonda Lenton has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to catalyzing positive change, guiding the University’s success and leadership in key areas such as 21st-century learning, research and innovation, sustainability, global health, and social justice.
Throughout her tenure at York, she has embodied the University’s 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 York but also across Canada’s higher education sector.
Her value-driven leadership has elevated York University’s 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
York receives the prestigious Living Campus certification from World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) for the second year in a row.
York School of Medicine Established
York University 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.
York Selected to Lead Global Efforts in Reducing Inequality
York 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 York 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’s fastest-growing regions.
Global Research Excellence Fund Launches
York launches the Global Research Excellence Fund to foster international partnerships across academia, industry and communities.
Funding Secured for York 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
York 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
York becomes the lead of the $318M first-of-its-kind research project, “Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society”.
The UNITAR Global Water Academy Launches
York 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‑edge fields: artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience, emergency mitigation, water, technoscience and society.
Las Nubes EcoCampus Expanded
York 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.
York's Largest Convocation Takes Place
York University 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’s First UN Leadership Training Centre Founded
The first UN leadership training centre in Canada, CIFAL York, is founded as a result of a partnership between York University and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This partnership is renewed in 2023.
York Partners to Expand Experiential Learning
York University joins the Business + Higher Education Roundtable to expand student access to meaningful experiential learning and work opportunities. BHER later funds York’s Project Commons through a national partnership initiative.
A New Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan
York 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’s First School of Global Health Established
York continues to demonstrate national leadership in healthcare with the creation of Canada’s first dedicated School of Global Health.
Markham Campus Construction Begins
York announces that it is moving forward with a bold plan to build the Markham Campus, the first public university campus in York 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’s first accelerator for women entrepreneurs in all stages of the business development process.
Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct Project Launches
York University, the City of Vaughan, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB sign an agreement to create the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, the future location of York’s School of Medicine.
Sustainability Innovation Fund Introduced
The President’s Sustainability Council launches a new Sustainability Innovation Fund to support projects that advance the University’s Sustainability Strategy.
2018
Indigenous Studies Program Introduced
The University launches a new Indigenous Studies program, reaffirming York’s dedication to advancing reconciliation and including Indigenous knowledge within its academic offerings.
Shopify’s Dev Degree Offered
York University becomes Shopify’s 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.
York Region Invests in Markham Campus
York Regional Council commits $25M toward York’s University new Markham Campus.
2017
Subway Stations Open on Keele Campus
Two TTC subway stations open on the Keele Campus (York University and Pioneer Village), improving accessibility and sustainability for students, staff, and the wider community.
Indigenous Framework Launches
York University launches the “Indigenous Framework for York University: A Guide to Action,” and appoints a special advisor to the president on Indigenous initiatives.
YSpace Opens
York University opens YSpace, an innovation and entrepreneurship centre in Markham, building on the successes of Innovation York.