Q and A with New Victoria University CAO and Bursar Jennifer Ankrett
Photo by Neil Gaikwad
Jennifer Ankrett became Victoria University’s new Chief Administrative Officer and Bursar in March. We asked her what brought her back to post-secondary education and what she envisions for the future.
What drew you to Victoria University? What excites you most about stepping into this role?
Victoria University is a special community—warm, welcoming and deeply committed. Since joining, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our dedicated staff, students, faculty, librarians, senior leadership, Board of Regents, president and university partners. While the campus is beautiful (thanks to our incredible maintenance, housekeeping and grounds teams!), it’s the people who make Vic U exceptional.
Alongside my passion for post-secondary education, I was drawn to the opportunity to work with President McEwen, whose leadership blends intellect and heart in inspiring ways. The university’s forward-thinking financial and operational decisions have also positioned us well for the future. I’m excited about the opportunities for innovation, digital transformation, sustainability, major capital projects and service excellence and how I can help champion and advance these priorities.
You’ve held senior roles in the public and private sectors. How do you see that experience shaping your approach?
My career has been built on transformation and continuous improvement, grounded in doing what’s right—even when it’s difficult—to create momentum and belief in the possible! I bring that mindset to operations, HR, finance, IT, and to advancing the university’s broader mission.
Collaboration is a key part of university life. How do you plan to work with students, faculty, librarians and staff to support Victoria’s mission and community?
Engagement, communication and active listening are essential to building trust and achieving collaborative, mission-aligned outcomes. Being open to feedback and focused on solutions fosters understanding, connection and continuous improvement. The best results come when we incorporate diverse perspectives and stay anchored in our shared values.
Building strong relationships is key to advancing meaningful progress. I prioritize connecting across campus. Early conversations with staff, students, faculty, librarians, and the Board of Regents have been among the most energizing parts of my time at Vic U.
Sustainability and innovation are increasingly important for universities. Are there initiatives you’re particularly passionate about?
Vic U has an enduring commitment to sustainability, and I’m excited to help advance that work. Key initiatives include the NetZero 2050 report, which will offer actionable recommendations to help us reach our climate goals. We are also making strides with the integration of sustainable practices into our capital renewal and major capital projects such as eco-friendly materials, repurposing resources, minimizing waste and using technology to optimize construction and building operations.
Innovation is equally vital, not just for infrastructure, but in how we deliver and modernize services, such as leveraging leading practices and AI. My goal is to drive digital transformation, operational efficiency and client-centricity, grounded in innovation and sustainability.
We hear you’re a proud cat mom! Tell us about your feline companions and what they’ve taught you about leadership?
Ah yes, Max and Luna are the adorable beasts who rule our household and our hearts (after our niece and nephews of course)! As someone who generally moves quickly, with intent, Max and Luna are wonderful reminders of balance and humility, as they rarely subscribe to my pace or agenda.