Linda Johnston's career has spanned multiple continents and various leadership roles, but the renowned nursing researcher says being named principal of the University of Toronto Scarborough ranks at the top.
"I consider the role of principal of UTSC to be the highlight of my career," said Johnston, who was officially installed as principal of U of T Scarborough and a U of T vice-president during a recent ceremony.
Before administering the oath of office in front of a packed crowd at the new Arrow Group Innovation Hall on campus, U of T President Meric Gertler praised Johnston's long track record of holding high-level positions in health care and academia - and using those positions to drive change.
"In addition to her deeply impressive curriculum vitae, Linda Johnston is also a terrific person, with an abundance of stellar leadership qualities," President Gertler said. "Immediately upon arriving in the principal's office, she embraced the distinctive culture and mission of this campus.
"It's been a real pleasure to see her energy and enthusiasm in leading U of T Scarborough into the next chapter in its history."
In her installation address, Johnston outlined a vision for a "culture of care" at U of T Scarborough. She said a priority will be to foster a healthy environment where every member of the campus community is supported in achieving their own definition of success.
"We have an opportunity for creating an environment where people find meaning and purpose for improving people's experiences and outcomes, as well as organizational effectiveness and productivity," she said.
Johnston's entire career has been dedicated to improving quality of care.
She worked as a clinician in neonatal intensive care for 17 years before deciding to go back to school as a mature student, earning her bachelor's degree while working the night shift.
After receiving a PhD in viral immunology, she landed her first academic position at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Children's Hospital. She later spent almost a decade as dean of U of T's Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, from 2014 to 2023.
She developed close ties to U of T Scarborough through the creation of the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH), and served as acting principal of the campus from January to June 2024 before assuming the role July.
Johnston, who becomes the campus's 12th principal, arrives at an important time in its history. In addition to SAMIH, which is anticipated to open in 2026, the campus recently opened the Sam Ibrahim Building , a five-storey facility that includes modern classrooms, an entrepreneurship centre and new facilities for several student services. Construction is also underway on Indigenous House and a mixed retail and parking building .
The installation ceremony began with David Graham, president and CEO of the Scarborough Health Network, performing the role of bedel carrying U of T's ceremonial mace.
Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper Naulaq LeDrew welcomed those in attendance, while Johnston's long-time friend and colleague Professor Sioban Nelson from U of T's Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing provided an introduction.
"In Linda, you've got yourself an exceptional principal who will be utterly dedicated to your cause," said Nelson, who first met Johnston in the late 1990s at the University of Melbourne. "I am excited to see how the campus will flourish under her leadership."
Also attending the installation were: Professor Trevor Young, U of T vice-president and provost; Anna Kennedy, chair of U of T's governing council, Professor Karin Ruhlandt, U of T Scarborough vice-principal, academic and dean, Andrew Arifuzzaman, U of T Scarborough's chief administrative officer, and Professor Mike DeGagné, special adviser to the principal on Indigenous initiatives, as well as faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and local MP Gary Anandasangaree were also in attendance.
Nirusha Jebanesan, a nurse practitioner, palliative coach and U of T Scarborough alum, welcomed Johnston before the ceremony by handing her a cup with the words "a kid from Scarborough" printed on the front.
"Your leadership, vision and commitment to inclusion align perfectly with the values of this community," said Jebanesan, who grew up in Scarborough. "We are confident that under your guidance, this campus will continue to inspire and elevate not only its students but also the greater Scarborough community."
For Hussain Syed, a fourth-year human biology and psychology student, Johnston's commitment to establishing a culture of care that stood out.
"What we hope for in a leader is someone whose actions reflect their words, and for them to put the well-being of students above all else," he said. "Principal Johnston has shown us that she is committed to giving us just that."
Johnston, who was joined by her partner Guy Stebbing, concluded her remarks by noting that as an anchor institution in the eastern GTA, U of T Scarborough is positioned to improve the health and well-being of its community.
"Thank you for putting your trust in me," she said.
"I will do my best to justify that trust by continuing to focus on our core values of intentional inclusion, students as partners and accountable stewardship."
