At its June 16 meeting, the OCAD University Board of Governors unanimously approved the renewal of Jaime Watt as chancellor for a second four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Chancellor Jaime Watt
"Through his leadership as chancellor, Jaime Watt has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to advancing the University's mission and its long-term sustainability. As he enters a second term, I have no doubt he will continue to ensure that OCAD U is not only a leader in art, design and innovation but a key contributor to public policy discussions, economic development and cultural enrichment," said Board Chair Lanita Layton.
As chancellor, Watt has focused on elevating OCAD U's stature within civil society, ensuring its critical role in Canadian culture and innovation. To this end, he has worked to strengthen the University from within, build meaningful connections within the broader community, advance philanthropic initiatives, and leverage his expertise to further the University's mission.
"Through the work of OCAD U, we shape culture, push the boundaries of imagination and breathe life into ideas that shape the world around us. Supporting this dynamic, transformative community has been one of the greatest honours of my life," said Chancellor Watt.
"As chancellor, it has been an honour to be able to match my connections with my unwavering passion for art and design. I've felt privileged to be able to play a role in helping to fortify a foundation for OCAD U that will support its continued ascent. As I enter my second term as chancellor, I commit to working even harder in my role and with even greater focus and purpose for OCAD U's continued success," he said.
Chancellor Watt has hosted numerous initiatives to position OCAD U as a respected, visible and engaged contributor to Ontario's cultural and intellectual life. These have included a series of events designed to enhance relationships with critical industries while driving philanthropy and capital to the University.
For example, he brought students and professors together to explore their unique contributions for solving the housing crisis with a second event that showcased the contributions of students and alumni in designing the future of health care.
He has also facilitated a growing partnership with the Princess Margaret Hospital to support cancer patients, which will enhance the impact of arts and design in its spaces. This will lead to providing students with real-life, impactful curatorial and design experience.
Additionally, he hosted the gallery, Creative Resilience, Resilient Creativity at First Canadian Place in June 2022. This exhibition focused on living through the pandemic, highlighting the resilience of the creativity of OCAD U students through tumultuous times.
"By spearheading these efforts, Chancellor Watt has helped to raise awareness of how OCAD U can provide tangible, practical assistance and expertise to tackle major public policy and societal issues," said OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano. "We are also very grateful for his counsel and expertise in supporting our advocacy and relationship-building efforts across the private sector and all levels of government."
Through his generous contribution to the Butterfield Park project, Chancellor Watt supported the revitalization of the space as a central gathering place for OCAD U students, faculty, staff and the public. The project was completed in November 2024, and an official opening is planned for this fall.
As an advocate of equality and human rights issues, Chancellor Watt has also focused on creating space for underrepresented voices. As such, he has worked to empower Indigenous, Black and People of Colour students through Project 31 and is a strong supporter of the University's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity.
ABOUT JAIME WATT
As Executive Chairman of Navigator Ltd., Chancellor Watt is a sought-after public affairs commentator who specializes in complex public strategy issues, serving both domestic and international clients in the corporate, professional services, not-for-profit, and government sectors, and political leaders at all three levels of government across Canada.
He serves on the boards of the University Health Network, CANFAR, the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is chair emeritus of the Literary Review of Canada. He is a past president or chair of the Canadian Club of Toronto, the Albany Club, Casey House, Canadians for Equal Marriage, Canadian Human Rights Campaign and Canadian Human Rights Trust, the Literary Review of Canada among others. Additionally, he is a past director or governor of many organizations including the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.
He is an adjunct faculty member of the Directors Education Program, jointly developed and administered by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Chancellor Watt is the recipient of many awards, including the inaugural Egale's Lifetime Achievement Award and Queen's Golden and Jubilee medals. Earlier this year, he received the King Charles II Coronation medal. In recognition of his lifelong excellence and leadership in public affairs, he was recently honoured with the Public Affairs Association of Canada's Award of Distinction.
