Dr. Robert Ventresca Appointed as King's 10th President

King’s University College is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Ventresca has been appointed as its next President.

A respected scholar, collaborative leader, and long-standing member of the King’s community, he will serve a five-year term as King’s 10th President, effective immediately.

“Dr. Ventresca brings proven leadership, a deep understanding and appreciation of King’s mission, and a strong and dynamic vision for its future,” said King’s Board Chair Paul Tufts. “Rob received overwhelming support from the advisory committee and our Board of Directors as the very best person to lead King’s at this critical time in our history. His vision for our future will serve as an important mandate for his presidency.”

The appointment follows a rigorous national search that attracted applicants from across Canada and around the world. The process included extensive consultation with the King’s community through open town halls, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and an open online survey.

“Dr. Ventresca’s outstanding leadership, thoughtful engagement with faculty, staff, and students, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and King’s mission made him the best choice for King’s next President,” Tufts said.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of King’s at this pivotal moment in our history,” Dr. Ventresca said. “Our community has always been animated by the Catholic intellectual and social traditions; dynamic and inclusive traditions that nourish a deeply rooted mission of service. I look forward to working collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of our community as we write the next chapter of King’s history together.”

Dr. Ventresca has a proven track record as a mission- and values-based leader at King’s. He assumed the role of Interim President in September 2024 and led the University with compassion and distinction through one of its most challenging times in recent history.

“Rob’s extensive experience across both academic and administrative roles has made him an exceptional leader for King’s,” said Amna Wasty, a member of the advisory committee and Manager of King’s International. “His proven commitment, depth of institutional knowledge, and steady guidance during challenging times demonstrate his readiness to continue leading with integrity and care.”

Dr. Ventresca began his post-secondary career as a first-generation undergraduate student at King’s in 1989. He obtained his Ph.D. in History from the University of Toronto and returned to join the faculty at King’s in 2000. Since then, he has achieved teaching and research excellence, with numerous publications to his name. He has served as Interim Vice-President Academic Dean (2023–2024) and Interim Academic Dean (2022–2024) at King’s. An outstanding scholar and the recipient of many prestigious academic awards, Dr. Ventresca is also a Member (emeritus) of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists at the Royal Society of Canada.

“Rob is a superstar scholar-teacher with an unparalleled and evocative connection to King’s,” said Dr. Thomas Tieku, Professor of Politics and International Relations and a faculty member of the advisory committee. “His qualifications and application materials demonstrate a deep understanding of King’s history, its present realities, and its future potential. He has clearly thought carefully about how to position King’s as one of the very best, if not the best, liberal arts universities in Canada.”

Professor Tieku was also impressed with the hiring process.

“This has been one of the most outstanding advisory committees for an executive search that I have ever been part of,” he said. “The remarkable quality of applicants also speaks to how highly regarded King’s is as a place to work and lead.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Robert Ventresca on his permanent appointment.

“We want to extend our sincere thanks to the selection advisory committee for the time spent working on this selection, and to the King’s community for their important and valuable input,” Tufts said.