Prime Highlights:
Dr. Michael Khan appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, effective July 1, 2025.
Focus on fostering innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement at Saint Mary’s University.
Key Background:
Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Khan as its next President and Vice-Chancellor, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Khan will transition to Saint Mary’s from Trent University, where he currently serves as Provost and Vice-President Academic.
Chair of the Board of Governors, Alan R. Abraham Jr. BComm’80, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “Dr. Khan’s extensive experience in academic leadership, his innovative approach to education, and his commitment to fostering inclusive and diverse communities make him an ideal fit for our university. We are confident that, under his leadership, Saint Mary’s will continue to achieve excellence.”
Dr. Khan brings a wealth of experience and a diverse international perspective to his new role. He has served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Trent University since 2020. His distinguished career includes leadership positions such as Dean of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor, where he oversaw the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics & Recreational Services. Additionally, he served as Head of the School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University in Wales, U.K.
Raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Khan’s multicultural background and global experiences have shaped his leadership style. He commented, “I am deeply honoured and delighted to join Saint Mary’s University. The university’s national and international reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement aligns closely with my own values. I am committed to supporting students in realizing their goals and aspirations.”
Dr. Khan’s broad experience encompasses academic and administrative leadership, strategic enrollment management, fundraising, and building creative partnerships. At Trent University, he played a pivotal role in developing an integrative academic plan that introduced new undergraduate and graduate programs. At Bangor University, he established high-impact research collaborations across sectors. In Windsor, he led the creation of the $73 million Lancer Sport and Recreation Centre, enhancing university and community engagement.
With a strong academic background in human kinetics and cognitive processes, Dr. Khan is also a former elite athlete and coach with over 25 years of experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and additional degrees from the University of Western Ontario and McGill University. Saint Mary’s University looks forward to Dr. Khan’s
leadership, confident that he will bring innovative insights and a global perspective to the institution.
