Jeremiah Hurley, who has led the Faculty of Social Sciences as dean since 2015, has been reappointed for a third term.
Hurley will serve a two-and-a-half-year term starting January 2026, after taking a six-month leave when his current term ends. During the leave, an acting dean will be appointed.
"Jerry's focus on innovation and collaboration has strengthened the Faculty of Social Sciences' programs and deepened its impact within and beyond McMaster," says Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic).
"I look forward to seeing the continued growth of the faculty under his leadership and the lasting impact of the projects he has championed."
While Hurley's two terms have seen a wealth of new initiatives, he is keen to stress that these are the accomplishments of everyone who works for, and is involved in, the Faculty of Social Sciences.
"These achievements are not mine," said Hurley. "They are achievements of the Faculty the faculty and staff who have worked hard to advance Faculty priorities.
"The fundamental role of the dean is to create a context in which others faculty, staff, and students can thrive and succeed. One of my highest priorities is to create such an environment."
Hurley's strategic plan, which was created in 2015, guided his past two terms with an emphasis on fiscal stability. This led to the expansion of interdisciplinary programming; enhanced career services; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Strategies (EDIIS); and increased operational excellence.
In January 2023, the faculty introduced the inaugural Social Sciences co-op program, created valuable paid work experience for students in Economics, Political Science and Work & Labour Studies. The co-op program is being expanded to five other programs.
Hurley's terms saw the development of the Wilson College of Leadership & Civic Engagement, a collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, created with the support of a $50 million gift from Lynton "Red" Wilson, which will open its doors to the next generation of leaders in September 2025.
Hurley's terms as dean also saw an increased focus on community engagement in both teaching and research, facilitated through initiatives such as the Community Research Platform, a partnership between Social Sciences and five community organizations.
Hurley is a passionate advocate for the expansion of EDIIS, which led to the growth of the Indigenous Studies educational program into a full department, the launch of the Indigenous Studies master's degree, and the appointment of a director of EDIIS.
Hurley also oversaw the creation of the interdisciplinary Master of Public Policy (MPP) program suite, starting with the MPP in digital society, and expanding to focus on housing policy. Additional streams are under development.
Hurley will spend his administrative leave diving back into his research, which focuses on the economics of health and health-care systems, including public and private roles in health-care financing and equity in health systems.
The selection process for an acting dean will begin in early 2025.
