Award-winning journalist and alum Steve Paikin appointed Chancellor of Victoria University

Photo by Neil Gaikwad.

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Steve Paikin (BA 1981 VIC, Hon DHL 2011 VIC) has been appointed Chancellor of Victoria University within the University of Toronto.

The longtime host of The Agenda with Steve Paikin on TVO and Victoria College alum will begin his three-year term on July 1, 2026, with a formal installation this fall. He will succeed food activist Nick Saul (BA 1990 VIC), whose term concludes June 30, 2026.

“It is a joy to return to Victoria University in this role, and personally, a poignant moment to return to the place that played such a formative role in my life as a student,” says Paikin.

“To the extent that I’ve grown up, I did a lot of it at Vic. I made great friends, many of whom are still in my life. It was also where I first found my footing in journalism, serving as sports editor of The Newspaper, and calling Varsity Blues hockey and football games on U of T Radio. I look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and supporting a community that continues to value ideas and public service.” 

In his role as Chancellor, Paikin will serve as the ceremonial head of Victoria University (which includes Victoria College and Emmanuel College), presiding at Convocation, conferring degrees and acting as chief ambassador for the university. He will also serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Regents and chair the Senate of Victoria University.

A distinguished career in journalism

Paikin hosted The Agenda with Steve Paikin for 19 seasons before the series ended in June 2025, but continues to host The Paikin Podcast, focused on national and international affairs. He also co-hosts #onpoli on TVO, examining Ontario politics, and appears weekday mornings on Citytv's Paikin on Politics.

Over the course of his career, Paikin has interviewed thousands of political leaders, scholars and changemakers and moderated nine federal and Ontario leaders’ debates. He has written 13 books, including biographies of former Ontario premiers Bill Davis and John Robarts and former prime minister John Turner. His work explores leadership, public responsibility and the human dimensions of political life. 

“Steve Paikin’s career, marked by careful listening, disciplined questioning and civic engagement, reflects many of the qualities we seek to nurture in our students at both Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges,” said Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen (DPhil 2010), President and Vice-Chancellor.  “We are honoured to welcome him home as Chancellor and look forward to the leadership he will bring to our community.” 

Paikin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of the Order of Ontario. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Public Policy Forum’s lifetime achievement award for excellence in journalism. He has received honorary doctorates from Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Laurentian University, McMaster University, York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. 

A close connection to Victoria University

He has remained closely connected to Victoria University over the decades, including returning to campus for TVO Today Live conversations at the Isabel Bader Theatre with guests such as Victoria College alum Margaret Atwood (BA 1961 VIC, Hon DLitt 1983, Hon DSacLitt 1987 VIC) and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. 

“The Chancellor plays a vital role in connecting our past, present and future,” said Keith Thomas (BSc 1987, MA 1989), Chair of the Board of Regents. “Steve Paikin is a distinguished alumnus whose longstanding engagement with Victoria University speaks to the lifelong bonds this community fosters.” 

Paikin has long been an advocate for higher education. Drawing on nearly four decades of engagement with universities as a visiting professor, journalist and former chancellor of Laurentian University, he has argued that universities are not simply pathways to employment but institutions with a broader civic mission. He has emphasized the importance of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and public responsibility. 

Originally published by Victoria University