Thank you, Deborah Brown

Dear colleagues, 

 

I’m writing to announce that Deborah Brown, our chief administrative officer, has decided to step down from her role effective 6 March 2026. I share the news with regret – but also with my very best wishes to Deborah, who is an amazing leader and wonderful person, and whose professionalism, generosity, and insight have shaped U of T for the better. 

 

Since Deborah joined the university in early 2022, she has guided us to some stunning successes. UTM launched our climate positive plan, including Project SHIFT to move away from fossil fuels, which extends U of T’s leadership as one of the world’s most sustainable universities. Likewise, we opened the science building as one of the most energy efficient chemical lab facilities in North America. It won a 2025 sustainability award from Canada’s Pharmaceutical Sciences Group. 

 

At a moment of sector-wide financial pressure, UTM has delivered four consecutive balanced budgets, creating $323M in operational and cost-avoidance savings, while increasing investment in our academic departments by 28% and in student financial aid by 62%. The roof and walls have gone up on our new 400-bed residence – our first UTM residence project in almost twenty years. Plans for other major capital projects are advancing, too, such as our Indigenous build and second central utilities plant.  

 

Over the same time, UTM has achieved or exceeded university-wide averages in cybersecurity areas of U of T’s data asset inventory and information risk self-assessment, and created exceptional experiences in hospitality and ancillary services, including by introducing a new campus farm and food service provider with sustainable local menu options. 

 

In every case, Deborah has served this community as a trusted advisor, strong advocate, and thoughtful mentor. UTM looks forward to recognizing her service with a proper celebration, and sharing more details about our leadership continuity plan, shortly; Deborah will work with me to transition key projects in the weeks ahead. For now, please join me in thanking Deborah for her tremendous leadership. UTM and U of T will continue to improve because of the legacy she has left. 

 

Best, 

Alex