Q&A with Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, TMU's next president

Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano has been part of the TMU community since 2020, serving first as vice-provost, faculty affairs, and most recently as provost and vice-president, academic. On April 29, 2026, she was appointed TMU's 10th president and vice-chancellor — the first woman to hold the role — and will begin her term in January 2027.

A scholar, educator and collaborative leader with over two decades in academia, Iannacito-Provenzano has been central to some of TMU's most significant recent milestones, including the launch of the School of Medicine and the release of the university's academic plan, Transforming Futures. Watch the video below to hear from the next president, and read on for the full Q&A, where she reflects on her path to TMU, her vision for the university and what she hopes her leadership means for the community.

You have been at TMU since 2020, what drew you to the university?

I was excited to join TMU in 2020 to take on the vice-provost, faculty affairs role, building on my experience leading a similar portfolio. What really drew me in was the opportunity to advance faculty development in a place that values teaching, research and people.

I had also heard great things about TMU: its urban, career-relevant focus, its deep connection to community and its downtown location all give it a distinctive energy and purpose.

And importantly, I saw an opportunity to contribute at a moment of real transformation: advancing equity and inclusion, strengthening faculty development and academic quality, and supporting research and growth. TMU was, and continues to be, a place where you can make meaningful, tangible impact.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as president and vice-chancellor?

I’m most looking forward to bringing our vision fully to life. We have a strong set of plans guiding us to 2030, and this next phase is about turning that direction into real impact for students, for faculty and for our communities. And I’m excited to continue building partnerships that position TMU as a leader in areas like AI, health care and urban innovation.

You will be TMU’s first female president. What does that mean to you and why is that important?

It’s meaningful, and it’s humbling. I see it as part of a broader shift, one that reflects the many people who have worked to open doors over time. I also think about the women and girls who may see themselves in this role and recognize that leadership at every level is possible for them. I hope this signals to others that leadership is evolving and becoming more inclusive. For me, it comes with a responsibility to lead with integrity and to create opportunities for others.

If you had to describe yourself/your leadership style in three words, what would they be? 

Collaborative, strategic and forward-looking.

Who is Roberta? What makes you ‘tick’?

What really makes me ‘tick’ is the opportunity to bring people together to build something better, whether that’s supporting our students, strengthening our academic community or creating space for new ideas to take shape. I’m energized by innovation and by doing things differently by challenging systems, rethinking how we work and finding more inclusive, effective ways forward.

At my core, I care about impact. I’m driven by the idea that universities can transform lives and communities, and I’m motivated every day by the role we play in opening doors for our students and contributing meaningfully to the world around us.

How have your previous roles of vice-provost, faculty affairs and provost and vice-president, academic prepared you for the presidency?

I’ve had the opportunity to see the university from many angles: faculty member, academic leader, vice-provost and provost.

That’s given me a deep understanding of both the academic mission and the operational realities. And it reinforced for me that strong leadership is about clarity, collaboration and staying focused on what matters most and in particular, our students and their success.

What difference does a university education make?

A university education changes the trajectory of a life. It builds critical thinking, adaptability and the ability to navigate complexity. These are skills that matter in any career and in society more broadly. It opens doors to opportunity, drives social and economic mobility and connects students to ideas, people and experiences that shape who they become. At its best, it’s not just about what you learn — it’s about the confidence and purpose you carry forward into the world years after you leave.

Did you have a professor, teacher or leader who had a profound impact on you?

I’ve been very fortunate. There isn’t just one person I would point to, but many who shaped me at different stages of my life and career.

My first teachers were my parents. They instilled in me the values that have stayed with me throughout: work ethic, patience, kindness and a deep commitment to helping others. Those lessons formed the foundation for everything that followed.

Along the way, I’ve also had mentors, colleagues and leaders who challenged me to think differently, supported my growth and modelled what thoughtful, principled leadership looks like. Each of them contributed something important, whether to my academic path or to how I lead.

What stays with me is not just what they taught, but how they showed up: with generosity, high expectations and a genuine belief in others. That’s something I carry forward every day in my own work.

What’s one thing you’d like the TMU community to know about you?

I love TMU. I believe in what we do, I believe in our people and I’m deeply committed to where we’re going.