William Robins Appointed Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
The Board of Regents has appointed Professor William Robins as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, effective July 1, 2026.
Professor Robins will serve in the role as the Board undertakes a search for Victoria University's next President and Vice-Chancellor following the departure of President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda N. McEwen, who will become President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Victoria in British Columbia later this year.
"Professor Robins combines deep institutional knowledge with a distinguished record of academic and executive leadership," said Keith Thomas, Chair of the Board of Regents. "The Board is grateful for his willingness to serve in this role and confident that his experience and judgment will help ensure a smooth transition as we undertake the search for Victoria University's next President and Vice-Chancellor."
Professor Robins is Professor of English and Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto and President Emeritus of Victoria University. An internationally respected scholar and award-winning teacher, he served as President and Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University from 2015 to 2022.
During his presidency, Professor Robins provided steady leadership that strengthened Victoria University's academic mission and helped shape its long-term direction. Under his leadership, the university developed and launched its first Strategic Framework, strengthened its organizational foundations and advanced major campus renewal projects, including the renovation of Birge Carnegie and the restoration of Victoria Chapel.
Professor Robins also championed initiatives that expanded opportunities for students and strengthened the university community. His tenure saw the creation of the Opportunity Awards program, now known as the Robins Access Awards Program, the co-founding of the Scholars-in-Residence program, the launch of Vic Ready and important advances in Indigenous engagement and reconciliation.
"Opportunities and initiatives that persist today have their roots in his leadership and I have had the privilege of building on many of the accomplishments and institutional strengths that Professor Robins helped establish during his presidency," said Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Vic U is fortunate to be guided by President Emeritus Robins through this period of transition, drawing on his deep understanding of the university and his unwavering commitment to students, faculty, fellows, librarians and staff."
Professor Robins is also a distinguished scholar whose research examines how stories are transformed as they move across linguistic and cultural boundaries. His contributions to the study of medieval Italian, Latin and English literary cultures have earned international recognition, and he received the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science Outstanding Teaching Award in 2014.
The Board has begun the presidential search process and will share further information with the Victoria University community as that work progresses.
The Board also expressed its gratitude to President McEwen for her leadership and service to Victoria University and noted that there will be future opportunities to recognize and celebrate her many contributions.