Patrick Deane - Leading Queen's

In this episode of The Podcast, host Dave Cunningham sits down with Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University.

Born and raised in South Africa, Principal Deane traces his academic journey from the University of the Witwatersrand to Canada, where his career has included faculty and leadership roles at the University of Toronto, Western University, the University of Winnipeg, McMaster University, and Queen’s. He became Queen’s Principal in 2019.

Their conversation explores what it means to lead a modern university — one with more than 34,000 students, over 130,000 alumni worldwide, and a campus that operates much like a small city. Topics include the importance of research, the balance between teaching and administration, governance at Queen’s, and the evolving demographics of Canadian higher education.

They also discuss Queen’s relationship with the City of Kingston, the university’s responsibilities in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and how educational institutions help students understand Canada’s past while preparing them for its future.

Away from campus, Principal Deane reflects on years spent running a family farm and his ongoing commitment to caring for their animals — a reminder that leadership is shaped as much by life experience as by titles.

Our theme music is “Stasis Oasis”, by Tim Aylesworth

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