Trent University Reappoints Vice-President of Human Resources to Another Five-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Stephanie Williams to a second five-year term as vice president of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2025.  

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The broad functions within Stephanie’s purview have thrived under Stephanie’s leadership,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Her accomplishments include a highly effective COVID pandemic response, the transition of Trent’s pensions to the newly created University Pension Plan, and the adoption of equity, diversity and inclusion recommendations. Personally, I have greatly valued her role as a strategic advisor to me as president, the Board, and the entire leadership team.”  

Williams has worked in progressively responsible roles at the University for over two decades. Appointed to her first term as vice president of Human Resources in July 2020, she oversees Human Resources and Student Services. Her role has expanded to encompass Campus Safety, Risk Management, equity, Diversity, and accessibility and Environmental Health and safety. 

Williams has been instrumental in driving significant initiatives and improvements across the University throughout her tenure according to a Trent press release. Her leadership has been pivotal in enhancing Trent’s financial stability and employee benefits, typified when the University became the fourth University to join the multi-employer, jointly-sponsored University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP). The move saw the Trent University Faculty Union successfully transition to the UPP in January 2022 and initiate the process for employees represented by OPSEU Local 365 and exempt administrative staff to convert to the plan by January 2025.  

She has fostered positive relationships and successful collective agreements with unions by focusing on collaboration and mutual respect. In the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion, she led the appointment of Trent’s inaugural director of EDI, advancing the University's mission to create a more inclusive campus. 

VP Williams has led enhancements in mental health strategy and Indigenous student support through her leadership of the Student Affairs portfolio, which includes the First Peoples House of Learning, Health Services, Counselling, Student Conduct, and Spiritual Affairs. Notably, her Human Resources efforts have focused on new initiatives and on continuing traditions that strengthen the Trent community, such as the annual Heart of the Trent event, which celebrates the contributions of staff, faculty, and retirees. 

VP Williams was also pivotal in Trent’s safe and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to navigate shifts between remote and in-person work and learning, overseeing and developing vaccination and screening protocols and managing the COVID Case Management team. 

“I am honoured to be reappointed to this position,” said VP Williams. “After more than 20 years at Trent, this has been the most rewarding role I have held. I am excited about the future of the institution and what we will accomplish in the years ahead with our exceptional team. I look forward to playing a key role in supporting the incoming President with the rest of the leadership team, especially as it relates to managing growth opportunities and other areas of my expanded portfolio.” 

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