Donette Chin-Loy Chang Appointed as Next Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University
About Donette Chin-Loy Chang
Jamaican Donette Chin-Loy Chang, a distinguished communications leader, accomplished public affairs strategist, and prolific philanthropist, has been recommended to the Board of Governors as the next chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Bio
Chin-Loy Chang’s professional career spans over four decades. She has created and managed successful strategies for numerous corporate, government, not-for-profit, and institutional clients. As a philanthropist, she and her late husband, G. Raymond Chang, TMU’s third chancellor, have been dedicated to transforming lives through education, health care, social justice, and the arts in Canada and globally.
Chin-Loy Chang holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. She has received honorary degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University (2021) and the University of the West Indies (2018).
Career Highlights
After graduating in 1978, she worked as a reporter-producer with CBC Radio, eventually leading the overseas service of Radio Canada International in Toronto. Chin-Loy Chang has written for a number of prestigious Canadian publications and has trained journalists in several English-speaking Caribbean countries and in Haiti. As a strategist for the global public relations firm Ruder Finn & Rotman, she provided counsel to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, ministers of government, heads of crown corporations, and media practitioners. She was later appointed by the Prime Minister as head of radio at the Jamaica Information Service.
She was also a visiting lecturer at the University of the West Indies in the Faculty of Mass Communications. In the early 1990s, she founded Donette Chin-Loy and Associates, a leading communications agency in the Caribbean. In 2000, she partnered with fellow TMU alumna, Lucy La Grassa, to establish La Grassa Chin-Loy Communications in Canada.
Philanthropy
Donette Chin-Loy Chang has dedicated her time and philanthropy to many influential organizations and causes. She is former co-chair of Food For The Poor Canada, an international relief agency. She is also co-patron of the University of the West Indies annual benefit awards, the largest Canadian fundraiser in support of student scholarships.
Chancellorship
The role of the chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of TMU, involves acting as an ambassador for the university on local, national, and international levels, presiding over all convocations, and conferring degrees and diplomas.
Succeeding Janice Fukakusa, Chin-Loy Chang’s appointment as TMU’s sixth chancellor will commence on October 10th for a three-year term.
Quote
“Donette has been a valued member of the TMU community for decades. Through her work and support for equity-focused organizations and her commitment to education, she continues to make her mark in improving the lives of those around her,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi. “We are so pleased that she will continue to strengthen her relationship with TMU in her newest role as our chancellor.”
Donette Chin-Loy Chang: Proud TMU Alumna
Over the years, Donette Chin-Loy Chang, who is also a proud alumna, has supported hundreds of students by funding scholarships and well-being initiatives at TMU. She has established bursaries across several areas of the university, including the DMZ, The Chang School, and the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She also created an emergency fund for students during the pandemic and contributed to TMU’s Viola Desmond Awards program and the President’s Awards to Champion Equity campaign.
Conclusion
Donette Chin-Loy Chang’s appointment as the next chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University is a testament to her commitment to education and her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. We are excited to see the impact she will have in this new role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Donette Chin-Loy Chang’s background?
A: Donette Chin-Loy Chang is a distinguished communications leader, accomplished public affairs strategist, and prolific philanthropist.
Q: What is Chin-Loy Chang’s role as chancellor?
A: As chancellor, she will act as an ambassador for the university, preside over all convocations, and confer degrees and diplomas.
Q: What is the duration of Chin-Loy Chang’s term as chancellor?
A: Her term will commence on October 10th for a three-year period.
Q: What has been Chin-Loy Chang’s impact on the TMU community?
A: Chin-Loy Chang has supported hundreds of students through funding scholarships and well-being initiatives and has established bursaries across several areas of the university.