Jamaican-born Donette Chin-Loy Chang, a communications specialist and philanthropist, has been recommended to the Board of Governors as the next Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

She succeeds Janice Fukakusa. 

Chin-Loy Chang’s appointment will make her Toronto Metropolitan University’s sixth Chancellor. She is expected to take up this position on October 10th for a three-year term. 

The Chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of one of Canada’s capital city’s universities, acts as an ambassador for the university on local, national, and international levels, presides at all convocations, and confers degrees and diplomas.

“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,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi.

Chin-Loy Chang continues to be an ardent advocate of Toronto Metropolitan University, supporting many students by funding scholarships and leading initiatives at TMU.

Of particular note are the invaluable bursaries she has championed, more specifically the Chang School, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, and the DMZ.

During the COVID pandemic, she quickly and effectively established an emergency fund for students in order to ensure that their education didn’t become derailed. She received commendations for her work with the TMU’s Viola Desmond Awards and the President’s Awards for Champion Equity campaign.

Speaking about Toronto Metropolitan University, Donette Chin-Loy Chang commented, TMU always challenges the status quo with bold and innovative action, responding to the needs of learners in an ever-changing world.

I accept this role with great humility and am proud to be part of an extraordinary community that truly values excellence, equity, and reconciliation.”

Chin-Loy Chang began her professional career as a reporter and moved on to Radio Canada International.

Over the past the past four decades, she has become a leading communications specialist and strategist for Caribbean private and public sector bodies, as well as working for both Canadian and international institutions. Her counsel is still kind. 

Back in the 90s, she founded her own firm, Donette Chin-Loy and Associates, which did rather well. Her late husband, G. Raymond Chang, was Toronto Metropolitan University’s third Chancellor.

She is also a former head of radio for the Jamaica Information Services. She has trained many journalists across the Caribbean. Donette Chin-Loy Chang has a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University and holds honorary degrees from the University of the West Indies and Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Her work in the world of philanthropy is not only noble but commendable, supporting many causes and highlighting issues that need attention.

She is the co-patron of the University of the West Indies annual benefit awards, and she has been on the advisory board for the Toronto Metropolitan University of Community Services.

She is now a board director for the BlackNorth Initiative and the Toronto International Film Festival.