The appointment of Dr. Tighe was unanimously approved by the Committee for Recommending a President which was then followed by approval of the university's Senate and Board of Governors.
"Dr. Tighe was the most outstanding candidate and brings to her new role the leadership experience, commitment to academic, research and student excellence, financial acuity and vision to help lead McMaster to an even brighter future," says Board of Governors chair Jane Allen.
"Dr. Tighe played a pivotal role in guiding the university through the pandemic and return to work and has been a leader in McMaster's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, equity and inclusion. She has successfully overseen the financial affairs of the university, keeping McMaster as one of the few universities in the province that is not in a deficit position. She has proven her ability to bring people together, find solutions to complex challenges, support student success, enhance research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and to work with community, government, donors, industry and alumni to create partnerships and opportunities for the university."
Dr. Tighe has been McMaster's provost and vice-president (Academic) since 2020 and previously served as the deputy provost and associate vice-president Integrated Planning and Budgeting at the University of Waterloo.
She is an internationally respected and award-winning engineer and researcher specializing in the development, design and management of sustainable concrete and asphalt for airports, roads and other critical infrastructure. She has held a Canada Research Chair, is past president of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, recipient of the Sanford Fleming Award from the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, recipient of the Ontario Professional Engineers Research and Development Medal and is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
"I am excited to lead McMaster and to collaborate with outstanding people throughout the university and community," says Dr. Tighe. "Every day, McMaster faculty and staff help our students learn how they can make a difference in the world. Our researchers make people healthier, provide solutions for a more sustainable environment and deepen our understanding of our communities close to home and around the world. The depth of expertise in research and teaching across the university is our greatest strength. I look forward to continuing to learn about the aspirations of faculty and to work with leaders across the university to support staff in their ability to maintain the effective running of the university while enhancing McMaster's strategic priorities.
"One of my greatest privileges has been teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students. Our students are amazing and they inspire all of us to ensure they have the very best opportunities. Our alumni and donors are also a key part of McMaster's success and I look forward to connecting with them to learn more of their stories and aspirations."
Ensuring the university has the resources it requires will continue to be a priority for the incoming president. "I am excited about our upcoming fundraising campaign," says Dr. Tighe. "We must also continue to build McMaster's profile and reputation, and ensure that industry, government, alumni and donors know how the university can continue to help make our city, province and country stronger."
The university began an international search for a new president in early 2024. Extensive consultation was held across McMaster and that input was used to develop the description of the president's role, which included the attributes the university community believed were important for the next president. The Committee for Recommending a President, which included Senate and Board members, students and staff, worked closely with the vice-provost, Equity and Inclusion, Barrington Walker who was a consultant throughout the search process.
Dr. Tighe assumes the role as McMaster's 9th president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2025 when David Farrar concludes his term as president, which he has held since 2019.
The report from the Committee for Recommending a President can be found here.
