Beverly Jacobs, Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, will join McMaster University's senior leadership team as the first vice-provost, Indigenous,on Jan. 1, 2026.
She will also have an appointment in the Faculty of Social Sciences as an associate professor in the Indigenous Studies Department.
Jacobs was selected by a McMaster committee of Indigenous and non-Indigenous members with representation from across the university. This followed an extensive international search supported by external recruiters and informed by consultations with more than 25 Indigenous faculty, staff, students, and community members, which helped shape the terms of reference for the role.
"I am honoured to join McMaster, an institution that has long felt like a natural fit for me, given my history with its community and my respect for the work already underway to advance Indigenous priorities," Jacobs said.
"I look forward to supporting Indigenous students, staff and faculty, and to fostering meaningful relationships across the university and with surrounding Indigenous communities."
"It is my hope to contribute to an environment where Indigenous excellence and scholarship are recognized and celebrated at every level."
Jacobs arrives from the University of Windsor, where she was an associate professor in the Faculty of Law and recently held a three-year position as the senior advisor to the president on Indigenous Relations and Outreach. She previously served as Acting Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) in Windsor Law.
She recently retired her 22-year-old law practice at her home community of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Her professional journey also included working with the Mohawk Institute Survivors' Secretariat as its Indigenous Human Rights Monitor in the investigation of the disappeared children at the Mohawk Institute.
Jacobs served as president of the Native Women's Association of Canada, where she responded to Canada's residential school apology and was instrumental in advocating for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.
She is a member of the Order of Canada and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her scholarship, advocacy and leadership.
Jacob's appointment reflects McMaster's commitment to advancing academic excellence through diverse perspectives and leadership, President Susan Tighe said.
"Her expertise in law and scholarly accomplishments will enrich our university's research and teaching, while inspiring the next generation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students," Tighe said.
The vice-provost, Indigenous, will report to the provost and vice-president (Academic) and sit as a member of Provost Council. In that role, Jacobs will also have collective accountability to the Indigenous Education Council and Indigenous administrators.
"This new role marks a significant milestone in McMaster's ongoing commitment to advance Indigenous scholarship and leadership," said Maureen MacDonald, provost and vice-president (Academic).
"We look forward to working with Dr. Jacobs, whose work as an advocate, scholar and leader has been impactful across the country."
Bernice Downey, former inaugural associate dean, Indigenous Health, and adjunct associate professor in the School of Nursing-Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, served on the selection committee for the new vice-provost. She was also a member of the Joint Indigenous-Administrative Consultation Group (JIACG) at McMaster, which played a key role in establishing this new position.
Jacobs' appointment represents a meaningful step forward for McMaster and Indigenous communities, Downey said.
"Beverly embodies the strength, integrity and vision needed for this inaugural role," Downey said.
"Her work has always been grounded in community and in advancing Indigenous ways of knowing within institutions. Her expertise in systems change will be advantageous to McMaster as we continue the work related to Indigenization.
"I am confident her leadership will bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues in new and transformative ways."
For Jacobs, joining McMaster is both a return and a new beginning. She previously taught as a sessional instructor in Indigenous Studies and served as a community representative on McMaster's Indigenous Education Council.
"I am looking forward to reuniting with colleagues here and I know that McMaster has already made progress in addressing systemic issues that other institutions are only beginning to confront."
Jacobs said her approach will be inclusive and driven by education.
"Supporting Indigenous peoples on campus is essential, but so is educating the broader community about who we are, our histories, our treaty relationships and the knowledge systems that have sustained our communities for generations."
Deeply rooted in her culture and community, Jacobs continues to live and actively participate in her longhouse ceremonies with her family at Six Nations.
She credits her grounding in the traditional teachings of spiritual leaders such as the late Harvey Longboat, who was instrumental in establishing the Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster, as well as the mentorship of Indigenous leaders such as Dawn Martin-Hill, professor emeritus. These influences shaped her leadership style, one grounded in kindness, humility and responsibility to future generations.
Jacobs earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Windsor in 1994, a Master of Law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 and a PhD from the University of Calgary in 2018.
The appointment was approved by McMaster's Senate and Board of Governors for a five-year renewable term.
