Last fall, Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of York University, began a discussion with the Board of Governors Executive Committee about her plans for completing her second term as president.
Ensuring the long-term success of the University has always been the most important priority for President Lenton and the Board and has guided her decision. President Lenton has advised the Board that she will be leaving her role, in her ninth year serving as York’s president and vice-chancellor, effective Dec. 31, 2025.
While we will have further opportunities to celebrate President Lenton’s vast accomplishments, on behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire York community, we want to extend our sincere thanks for her exceptional service to the University, and we look forward to working together until the end of her term.
The Board of Governors is deeply proud that under her leadership, York secured a School of Medicine that will focus on the province’s critical need for family doctors and primary health-care physicians. President Lenton also facilitated the establishment of a new campus in Markham focusing on technology and entrepreneurship to meet the talent and innovation needs of York Region, one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario. These projects reflect her commitment to students and the communities served by York.
She has continued to drive the evolution of a comprehensive, strategic planning process linking the University Academic Plan 2020-25 with York’s operational and budget plans facilitating the advancement of institutional priorities. It is this work that has helped York respond to the financial challenges facing the sector and the development of the York U Forward Action Plan initiating new ways of thinking to strengthen the University further.
Beyond these impressive achievements, President Lenton has provided thoughtful and visionary leadership centred on the mission, vision and core values of York, strengthening the international reputation of the University. Never losing sight of the importance of equity, York now has a Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy that will continue to expand our commitment to access, creating an inclusive and welcoming university for all.
A strong proponent for the University, President Lenton will continue to stay engaged beyond the end of her term.
At today’s meeting (June 24), the Board of Governors appointed Lisa Philipps as the interim president and vice-chancellor, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The Board is confident that Professor Philipps’ understanding of York, experience in university leadership and strong skill set will serve the University well throughout the search period for the next president.
The board will commence an international search for the next president and vice-chancellor. Consistent with the principles governing a presidential search, there will be extensive consultation with Senate and the University community.
Paul Tsaparis (MBA ’84) has completed his final term as Chair of the board. Appointed as Chair in 2018, and having served as a member of the board since 2010, he has helped guide the University through many changes, challenges and opportunities. The board thanks Mr. Tsaparis for his service, his leadership and commitment to York.
Incoming Chair Antonio Di Domenico (B.A. (Hons.) ‘02, LL.B. ‘05) takes up his new role on July 1, 2025 after serving as a member of the Board of Governors since 2017. Mr. Di Domenico’s time at York began as a political science and law and society undergraduate student before he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School. He served as an undergraduate student representative on both the York University Senate and Board of Governors. He was also a member of the Senate Executive Committee, Chair of the Student Senate Caucus and vice-chair of the Student Centre Board of Directors. His volunteer commitments continued throughout his years at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he was Chair of the Student Caucus of Faculty Council. Prior to joining York’s Board of Governors, he was a member and vice-chair of the York University Alumni Board and a director of the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Board.
For more information about York’s Board of Governors, please visit the Board of Governors website.