It is with great honour that we announce that Victoria University is establishing the Dr. Jean Augustine Professorship in Transformative Education, in recognition of Jean Augustine’s decades of dedication to expanding access to education and advancing opportunities for Canadians from all walks of life.

This new endowed professorship will enable Victoria University to appoint a distinguished scholar to lead work in transformative teaching and learning—emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation—key skills for students navigating today’s dynamic workforce. 

“Dr. Jean Augustine’s story is a testament to the power of education to shape lives and create opportunities,” said Dr. Rhonda McEwen, President of Victoria University. “After immigrating to Canada from Grenada, she built a career as a teacher and principal, understanding first-hand how access to education opens doors and enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.” 

Jean Augustine’s path into public service further illustrates her leadership and commitment. She served as Chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Commission, was elected Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore four times, and held the portfolio of Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Notably on Parliament Hill, she played a pivotal role in establishing February as Black History Month in Canada.

Naming this professorship after Jean Augustine speaks to issues that still demand our attention—equity, representation and opportunity,” McEwen added. Victoria University+1

Following her political career, Jean Augustine was appointed Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner, an office dedicated to ensuring that professionals with credentials earned outside Canada receive fair access to professions and trades. Victoria University+1

Speaking about the honour, Jean Augustine said:

“I grew up knowing the importance of education. ‘Education raises the family nose,’ my grandmother used to say. To get any place, you need to be educated. You need to have knowledge. You need to be able to manoeuvre the world. Especially in my later years working with women, I knew that an educated woman made better decisions about the health of her children, about the raising of her families, about the future for her children. Education is almost the thing that opens up for us the opportunities to reach one’s full potential.” 

Victoria University anticipates appointing the inaugural holder of the professorship in the 2025-2026 academic year. Victoria University+1

About Victoria University
Founded in 1836 and federated with the University of Toronto, Victoria University is one of Canada’s oldest institutions. It is recognized for its leadership in undergraduate arts and sciences education and graduate theology. The university offers distinctive first-year programming through Victoria College and its Vic One stream, and the campus sits on the east side of Queen’s Park in Toronto. Victoria University+1

For further information, please contact Leslie Shepherd, Interim Director of Communications, Victoria University. Victoria University