Governance
Its connection with the University of Toronto was established at the same time with Bill-115-Massey-U-of-T. The relationship is recognized through ex officio membership on the Governing Board of the President of the University of Toronto, or their designate, and the Dean of School of Graduate Studies.
Other members of the College community join in a number of committees which report to the Governing Board. A considerable degree of self-governance of the Junior Fellowship is implemented through the annual election of a Don of Hall, other student officers, and committee members.
Governing Board
The College is governed by a Governing Board, made up of the Principal and elected Senior Fellows, Junior Fellows and the Chair of the Quadrangle Society and the Massey College Alumni Association. Its connection with the University of Toronto is recognized through ex officio membership of the President and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Other members of the College community join in a number of Committees which report to the Governing Board.
Joshua Barker
James Bird
David Cameron
Marc Desormeaux
(MCAA Representative)
Nora Gillespie
Paul Gooch
Edith Hillan
Jennifer Jenkins
Jillian Kohler
J Robert S Prichard
(Visitor)Stacey Laforme
Akaash Maharaj
John Massey
Raymond Massey
Anita McGahan
(Acting Chair & Vice Chair)Pankaj Mehra
(Acting Vice-Chair)James Orbinski
(Principal)
Akwasi Owusu-Bempah
(Chair)J Robert S Prichard
(Visitor)Elizabeth Riddell-Dixon
David Robertson
David R. Smith
Robbie Steele
Peter Tovell
Alexie Tcheuyap
College Principals
The Principal is the chief administrative officer who, together with those Senior Fellows elected to the Governing Board, governs the College.
James Orbinski
Principal, 2025 - Present
Ann Saddlemyer
Master, 1988 - 1995
Nathalie Des Rosiers
Principal, 2019 - December 2023
Patterson Hume
Master, 1981-1988
Hugh Segal
Master, 2014 - 2018 Principal, 2018-2019
Robertson Davies
Founding Master, 1963-1981
John Fraser
Master, 1995 - 2014
Acting Principals
Jonathan Rose
Acting Principal, January - December 2024
Stephan Dupre
Acting Master 1991-1992
College Visitors
The Visitor to Massey College shall be an eminent person whose contributions to Canadian society reflect the mission and values of Massey College. The Visitor serves as an ambassador of Massey College to the wider community, and as distinguished advisor to the Principal. With full access to all events, the Visitor participates as appropriate in the life of the College. In addition, the Visitor undertakes such assignments as may be agreed with the Principal or the Governing Board.
The Visitor is appointed for a fixed term, renewable, by the Governing Board on the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee.
Procedure for Appointment
When the position of Visitor is about to become vacant, the Governance and Nominating Committee will call for nominations from any member of the Massey College community. Nominators should explain briefly the suitability of the candidate for the position. A selection committee will be struck by the Governance and Nominating Committee and include the Chair of the Governing Board as chair, the Principal, and four other members representative of the College community. The Governing Board shall appoint the Visitor on the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
J. Robert S. Prichard
2021 - present
The Rt. Hon. Beverly McLachlin
2016 - 2020
The Hon. H.N.R. Jackman
2003 - 2016
The Rt. Hon. Vincent Massey
1963 - 1967
Dr. Rose Wolfe
1996 - 2003
The Hon. John B. Aird
1990 - 1995
The Hon. Dalton C. Wells
1973 - 1976
Massey College - By-law (Statute No. 8)
Approved by the Massey College Governing Board on October 10, 2023
READThe Massey Story
Strategy and Call to Action
Prepared by the Strategy and Steering Subcommittee of the Massey College Governing Board
Anita McGahan (Chair), David Cameron, Paul Gooch, David Smith and Christine Tran
Approved by the Massey College Governing Board on December 2, 2021
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