Howard Hillen Kerr (December 25, 1900 - June 16, 1984) was the first principal of the Ryerson Institute of Technology (now Toronto Metropolitan University).
He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1926 with degrees in education and engineering and became an administrator in the public school system.
During World War II he was in charge of training personnel for overseas duty.
The purpose of TRIT was to provide 32,000 veterans with vocational training to allow them to establish themselves in civilian trades and careers.
Prior to TRIT's scheduled closure, Kerr convinced the Ontario government to transform it into a permanent post-secondary institution focused on practical education, apprenticeships, vocations and career training.