[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Bates_Paul1.jpg” caption=”Paul Bates, dean of the DeGroote School of Business, has been appointed to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Photo by Ron Scheffler.”]Paul Bates, dean of the DeGroote School of Business, is one of seven new members to be appointed to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The announcement was made yesterday by The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for SSHRC.

“I consider this appointment to be an extraordinary privilege,” said Bates. “This allows me to bring to the Council a blend of my background in business together with what has become a profound passion for academic research in business. I shall be seeking opinion and guidance from my colleagues both in business and at McMaster University and will do my best to enhance our efforts and reputation in this critical milieu.”

Bates has served as dean of the DeGroote School of Business since July 2004. He is also Industry Professor of Financial Management Services.

Prior to joining McMaster, Bates was president and CEO of Charles Schwab Canada, a financial service provider, and president and COO of both TD Greenline Canada and Marathon Brokerage. He was also founder and CEO of Priority Brokerage and Porthmeor Securities.

In 2002, Bates was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for community service, which honours Canadians who, over the previous 50 years, helped create the Canada of today.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer-reviewed competitions. The Council also partners with public and private sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada's social, cultural and economic life.

The six other new members of SSHRC include Sean Taft Caulfield, Kerry Colleen Day, Angela Ferrante, P. Thomas Jenkins, Dr. Christopher P. Manfredi and Dr. Nelson Michaud.