Jennifer Ankrett Appointed Bursar and CAO of Victoria University
Victoria University in the University of Toronto is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Ankrett as Bursar and Chief Administrative Officer. Ankrett, an accomplished leader with more than 15 years of experience in the post-secondary and public sectors, will assume her new role on March 10, 2025.
“Jennifer Ankrett brings a wealth of expertise, a collaborative spirit and a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, people-focused organizational cultures,” said Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University. “Her visionary leadership and dedication to service excellence will advance Victoria University’s mission and strategic priorities.”
Ankrett’s extensive career spans senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Business Partnerships and Labour Relations at Metrolinx, Vice President of Corporate Services and CAO at Legal Aid Ontario, and director roles at York University and the University of Toronto Scarborough.
Ankrett is a champion of human-centred leadership, with expertise fostering results-oriented, highly engaged teams and positive, inclusive cultures. Her work has focused on a broad range of portfolios, including finance, human resources, facilities management, IT, diversity and inclusion, and student services.
She has led transformative initiatives such as universal design principles in physical spaces, future-of-work strategies, and reconciliation programs.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an MBA from York University, is a Certified Human Resources Leader and plans to resume her PhD studies in social justice education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
“I believe deeply in the transformative power of post-secondary education,” Ankrett said. “I am inspired by Victoria University’s rich legacy and its commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders. I look forward to working with this vibrant community to enhance its operations and continue to provide a supportive and enriching environment for students, faculty, and staff.”
About Victoria University in The University of Toronto
Victoria University, federated with The University of Toronto, was founded in 1836 and is one of the oldest universities in Canada. As a recognized leader in undergraduate education in the arts and sciences and in graduate education in theology, Victoria University creates an environment where students discover how to match their distinctive talents to some of the world's most pressing issues. It is home to two outstanding colleges. Victoria College—with its small class sizes, its distinctive first-year programs, and its exceptional students—is recognized as one of the most rewarding places in Canada to pursue an undergraduate education. Emmanuel College prepares students from many faiths and backgrounds for leadership roles in religious contexts. The iconic campus is located on the east side of Queen’s Park, south of Bloor Street, in Toronto.
Media Contact
Leslie Shepherd, Interim Director, Communications
Victoria University in the University of Toronto
leslie.shepherd@utoronto.ca
647-300-1753