First-ever Santamarian Professors and Chairs announced

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce the inaugural Santamarian Professors and Chairs.

In March 2022, VPAR Dr. Malcolm Butler announced the creation of these programs to recognize, highlight, and support the research of our professors. 

The Santamarian Professorships recognize distinguished early-to-mid career scholars, and the Santamarian Chairs recognize excellence of more established researchers. These programs allow for the appointment of one Santamarian Chair and one Santamarian Professor within each of our three Faculties (Arts, Science, and Business). 

The University Research Professor program was designed to recognize scholars who have achieved national and international prominence in their research, over and above the excellence expected of and demonstrated by the professoriate. This program is specifically directed to support our professors who have achieved a specific national or international recognition for research excellence within the two years prior to nomination; for example, the completion of a Canada Research Chair, appointment as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada or other recognitions of a similar nature.

Nominations to these programs were submitted by many worthy members of our faculty by the end of last April. A thorough selection process ensued with multiple levels of consideration and review. Work is underway to create a web-presence to spotlight all of the Chairs and Professors, together with Canada Research Chairs at Saint Mary’s and our other named Professors and Chairs.

Congratulations to these amazing members of our faculty community!

Santamarian Professors:
Dr. John Fiset (Management)
Dr. Danielle Tokarz (Chemistry) 
Dr. Michelle MacCarthy (Anthropology)

Santamarian Chairs:
Dr. Tony Charles (Finance, Information Systems and Management Science / Environmental Science)
Dr. Maryanne Fisher (Psychology) 
Dr. Margaret MacDonald (Study of Religion) 

University Research Professors:
Dr. Kevin Kelloway (Psychology)
Dr. Gavin Fridell (Global Development Studies)
Dr. Danika van Proosdij (Geography and Environmental Studies)
Dr. Marcin Sawicki (Astronomy & Physics) Appointment begins Fall 2024