McMaster University has appointed Maureen MacDonald, a longtime champion of student success, academic excellence and research impact, as its next provost and vice-president (Academic).

MacDonald, who has served as dean of the Faculty of Science for the past seven years, will begin a six-year term on July 1, 2025. 

The appointment follows an extensive five-month search process led by a 13-member selection committee chaired by President David Farrar, which unanimously recommended MacDonald for the position. The recommendation has been approved by McMaster’s Senate and Board of Governors. 

“Maureen is a thoughtful, collaborative leader with a deep understanding of our university and a strong commitment to fostering an environment where teaching, learning and research thrive,” said Farrar.

“She brings a clear vision, extensive experience, and a deep sense of community to this role — qualities that will serve McMaster well as we continue to build on our strengths and pursue new opportunities.” 

Over more than two decades at McMaster, MacDonald has made lasting contributions, advancing academic programs, expanding student supports, and leading major research and infrastructure investments in the Faculty of Science, said current provost and incoming president Susan Tighe.  

“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Maureen and have seen firsthand her dedication to our students, faculty, and staff,” Tighe said. 

“I know she’ll be an outstanding provost, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new chapter.” 

A passionate advocate for student success, MacDonald has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring and supporting students throughout her career. She has supervised hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and in 2018, received the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Mentorship Award in recognition of her dedication to student development​.  

Under her leadership as dean, the Faculty of Science expanded career supports for students, launched the Sustainable Chemistry undergraduate program, and invested in new infrastructure to enhance the student experience. 

“What I’m most proud of is the relatively small role I’ve played in helping people to flourish and find their place at McMaster,” MacDonald said.  

“Whenever I hear about a student’s success or read about a faculty member’s grant or a staff member’s award, it inspires me to keep connecting and empowering the incredible people around me.” 

MacDonald, who has a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, brings extensive academic leadership experience to the position. As dean of Science, she has managed an $80 million budget while overseeing 8,500 students, 230 faculty, and 160 staff across eight departments and schools and four institutes and centres. 

Prior to becoming dean, she served as director of the School of Interdisciplinary Science, acting chair of the Department of Kinesiology, director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, and chair of the Senate Panel on Harassment and Anti-Discrimination. She has also represented McMaster as an Academic Colleague for the Council of Ontario Universities. 

“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve McMaster in the role of provost and very excited to tackle this new challenge,” said MacDonald.

“This university has been my home for 25 years, and I firmly believe that McMaster is a very special place.” 

The selection committee also highlighted MacDonald’s financial acumen, noting her experience leading engagement with support unit budgets and coordinating fiscal management between academic and administrative spheres.  

MacDonald is an internationally recognized scholar who has maintained an active, NSERC-funded research program for over 25 years, authoring more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and securing 26 research awards as principal or co-investigator. Her expertise in cardiovascular health, exercise physiology, spinal cord injury and aging has earned her respect across disciplines. 

As she transitions to her new role, MacDonald has identified several key priorities, including facilitating open communication to enhance the university’s sense of community, providing sound financial stewardship, and increasing trust and connection across campus. 

“I believe that in times of maximum disruption, there can exist incredible opportunity,” MacDonald said. “I find great joy in making connections — connections between people and with opportunities — and that possibility simply expands in this new role.” 

MacDonald’s strong record in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives is highlighted in the selection committee’s report. As dean, she created the role of associate dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Indigeneity, developed through meaningful consultation with Indigenous colleagues and leadership at McMaster. 

She worked closely with Indigenous colleagues on the Faculty of Science strategic plan and ensured Indigenous student representation on its student strategic plan implementation team, which developed an Indigenous action plan for the Faculty. 

As dean, MacDonald also supported Indigenous student research opportunities through the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute, including the IndigiNerds summer program — a student-led initiative that creates meaningful, hands-on research experiences for Indigenous students.  

“Our world is in a precarious state,” she said. “In every corner of our campus there are students, faculty and staff who are here because they believe in the power of education and research to enable people and societies to flourish, and I am looking forward to supporting them.” 

MacDonald’s collaborative leadership style, emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex decisions with clarity, confidence and empathy stood out to the selection committee. Members were especially impressed by her visibility and accessibility to students, faculty and staff. 

MacDonald will succeed Tighe, who assumes the role of McMaster’s ninth president and vice-chancellor on July 1, when Farrar concludes his term as president.  

The six-year appointment is designed to avoid having the president and provost terms begin and end simultaneously in the future. 

A process to appoint the next dean of the Faculty of Science will begin shortly, with details to be shared in the coming weeks.