J.J. McMurtry, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor
Dr. JJ (John-Justin) McMurtry became the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Windsor on September 1, 2025.
A seasoned academic leader and professor, President McMurtry brings to the role a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and student success. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS) at York University, one of Canada’s largest faculties, where he led major initiatives in curriculum development, research advancement, and community engagement.
President McMurtry holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Social and Political Thought from York University, and an Honours BA in History and Philosophy from the University of Guelph. He has held graduate faculty appointments at institutions including OISE, the University of Toronto, Cape Breton University, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
During his tenure at York, Dr. McMurtry led a broad range of initiatives focused on student support, curriculum innovation, and research excellence and growth. Under his leadership, LA&PS secured multi-million-dollar advancement donations to support student success and research, achieved financial growth and stability through the pandemic, and launched major academic campaigns, including launching multiple new programs and curriculum, and ongoing campaigns for endowed Chairs focused on research in Indigenous and diasporic communities.
Throughout his academic career, President McMurtry has maintained an active presence in research and curriculum development, particularly in the areas of cooperative studies, alternative energy, economic theory and practice, and the social and solidarity economy.