HUMAN RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN | OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

McMaster appoints Aaron Schat as acting deputy provost

June 22, 2026 ·

A long-serving McMaster professor with extensive experience across the university’s academic and governance structures will be moving into University Hall on a temporary basis to serve as acting deputy provost.

Aaron Schat has been appointed for a one-year term, effective July 1, 2026, while Deputy Provost Matheus Grasselli takes a leave to pursue scholarly activities after spending eight years in administrative positions at McMaster.

Grasselli’s term will be extended by one year upon his return.

The appointment follows a comprehensive and expedited consultation process led by the provost and undertaken through Provost Council and senior leadership. Schat was selected based on his proven leadership experience and extensive engagement in academic governance over many years.

He currently serves as associate dean (Undergraduate Studies) and associate professor of Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management in the DeGroote School of Business.

Schat has held the associate dean role since July 2023 and previously served as acting associate dean of Faculty Affairs and Accreditation, as well as chair of the Human Resources and Management Area in the DeGroote School of Business.

“I am honoured to be appointed,” Schat said. “I look forward to working with the provost, Faculty deans and colleagues across McMaster’s leadership team to support faculty members and advance the university’s strategic priorities in research, teaching and learning and student success.”

Over the course of his academic service at McMaster, Schat has contributed extensively to university governance, including service on Senate and Senate Executive, as an Academic Integrity Adjudicator, vice-chair of the Senate Board for Student Appeals and chair of the Joint Committee on Certificates, Diplomas and Microcredentials.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Schat to this role,” said Maureen MacDonald, provost and vice-president (Academic). “His extensive leadership experience across Faculty and university governance, combined with his collaborative approach, sound judgment and commitment to students, will serve the university well.

“I look forward to working closely with him as part of Provost Council, and to welcoming Dr. Grasselli back following his leave.”

Schat holds a BA in Psychology from Redeemer University and an MA and PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Guelph. His research focuses on workplace mistreatment, attachment dynamics at work and work-related health and well-being.

His contributions to teaching and graduate mentorship have been recognized with a nomination for a McMaster University Students’ Union teaching award and the President’s Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision.

In his role as acting deputy provost, Schat will support university-wide academic leadership and coordination across Faculties and central portfolios.

His responsibilities will include faculty relations and leadership programs, academic integrity, and strategic enrolment management, alongside broader work in academic planning, governance, and cross-university collaboration.

He will also focus initially on building strong relationships across Faculties and administrative units and supporting both continuity and progress across key institutional priorities.