Joan Foley is a Canadian psychologist and academic administrator, best known for her long and influential career at the University of Toronto. In 1991, she became the first woman to hold the position of Principal of University College, a role she held until 1997. She subsequently broke another gender barrier by becoming the first woman to be appointed Provost of the University of Toronto, a position she held from 1997 to 2001. In this role, she was responsible for the university's academic policies and budget, significantly influencing the institution's development. Her academic background is in psychology, with a particular focus on developmental psychology. For her contributions to higher education and her pioneering role in university administration, Joan Foley was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001, one of the country's highest civilian honours. Her career is considered a model for women in academia.