Dwight Duncan Becomes
University of Windsor’s Next Chancellor
Story by Michael Seguin
Photography courtesy University of Windsor
When pressed, the University of Windsor’s new Chancellor—Dwight Duncan—sums up his professional experiences with characteristic mildness: “I keep myself pretty busy.”
Windsor has always been an extraordinarily service-oriented community. From nonprofits to charities, it seems one cannot turn a corner without running into a person or an organization trying to improve the lives of others.
And now, one of Windsor’s most dedicated public servants, Dwight Duncan, will be taking his skills to the University of Windsor as the new Chancellor.
A native Windsorite, Dwight has a long and illustrious career that has perfectly primed him for this new role.
“I was born and raised in Windsor,” Dwight explains. “Although I’ve briefly lived elsewhere for school or work for extended periods of time, I’ve always made this town my home and principal residence. Early in my career, I was the Administrator at the Brentwood Recovery Home for about eight years. At the same time, I also served on the City Council for six years.”
Although Dwight has worn a variety of hats throughout his life, he is perhaps best known for his time as a Windsor area Member of Provincial Parliament. Throughout his 18 years in the Ontario Legislature, he served a number of roles, including: Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Energy, Chair of Management Board, Chair of Cabinet, Government House Leader and House Leader of the Official Opposition.
“I’ve delivered six Provincial budgets,” Dwight recalls. “I’ve participated in an active way in both our province and our country.”
As well, in January 2016, Duncan was appointed to be the Interim Chair of the Board of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (Gordie Howe International Bridge). Later that year, he was appointed to a five-year term as the Board’s Permanent Chair.
And despite this hefty workload, Dwight remains tireless when it comes to service. “I’ve always been active in charitable work here in Windsor and across Ontario,” Dwight states. “I’m currently the Governor for the MS Society of Canada, a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute and a Member of the Board of the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services. I’ve also been a part of the Rotary Club and other organizations.”
Since leaving the public office, Dwight has dedicated most of his time to the corporate sector. He is currently working as a Senior Advisor for Canadian Investor Relations with the New York based law firm Bernstein, Litowitz, Berger, and Grossmann.
And now, this spring, Dwight will be installed as the University of Windsor’s ninth Chancellor.
“These positions go back more than a thousand years, particularly in the United Kingdom,” Dwight explains. “Most universities have Chancellors. The role can vary, from institution-to-institution. But in general, you are not an Executive and you’re not a decision-maker. The best way I can describe my role is that I hope to be a trusted advisor to the university and the university community.”
Dwight likens his new role to a helmsman rather than a captain. Rather than steering the ship, he provides key insights and valued wisdom to ensure that the vessel reaches safe harbor.
“I am here to serve,” Dwight states. “The entire university community can turn to me and take in whatever wisdom I might have on whatever matters require my insights.”
Dwight’s unique range of experiences give him a perspective that few can hope to match.
“When most universities are looking for a Chancellor, they’re looking for someone with a broad range of experiences,” Dwight explains. “Of course, here in Canada, our universities are provincially government-financed. And I’ve spent six years serving as a Minister of Finance here in Ontario. So, I’ve dealt with all of Ontario’s major universities—including the University of Windsor.”
Dwight plans to use this intimate knowledge to help bolster his alma matter with fundraising.
“Our postsecondary system is experiencing some really difficult times right now,” Dwight states. “We’re having to make some really complicated decisions. And yet, universities and colleges are critical for our future economic performances. They’re key to Canada’s productivity.”
Dwight was first appointed to this position last fall. He has spent months preparing for his upcoming term of office—which will begin this spring.
“I’ve been in a number of meetings about the challenges, but also the opportunities facing the University of Windsor,” Dwight explains. “Again, I hope I can be a trusted voice for the senior leadership team, the Board of Governors, the Senate and most importantly—to the student body. I hope that when my term concludes in four years, everyone will agree that I was a good choice. That I was able to offer valuable assistance. Because ultimately, that’s my true end goal: offering assistance.”
As Chancellor, Dwight hopes to continue bolstering what he considers an exemplary postsecondary institution.
“I’ve witnessed a number of great developments in the university over the years,” Dwight states. “When I was a Member of Parliament, I’d always felt that the university would benefit from a medical school. And we have been able to do that in the last 20 years! We’ve also seen some great strides in the sciences, engineering and the Liberal Arts.”
While Dwight has nothing but praise for all the schools within the University of Windsor, he singles out the Law program for particular accolades.
“Our Law school has a unique position within Canada in terms of its approach to teaching,” Dwight explains. “It offers a wide range of areas of specialization.”
Even still, while Dwight maintains that the road ahead might not necessarily be the smoothest, he remains optimistic that the school can reach even greater heights.
“There are going to be a lot of challenges,” Dwight states. “None of which are easily resolved. I plan to help the university deal with the ordeals that lie ahead. As well, I plan to help our school determine what their future priorities are.”
But whatever challenges might be waiting, Dwight is looking forward to confronting them.
“The university and I are getting to know one another again!” Dwight states. “I’m spending a great deal of time there already, just getting myself prepared for the job. I hope to bring all the experiences I’ve accumulated over the years to this new frontier. Windsor has always been my home. And it’s an honour and a privilege to lend a helping hand in any way I can.”
Publisher in the Your Place or Mine? 2025 Edition
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