"In a time of institutional change, my role is to ensure that the Faculty’s values, needs, and voices are clearly represented and well understood," he says.
An environmental sociologist and Full Professor in the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, Nathan has long been a part of Faculty leadership. His experience includes serving as Vice-Dean of Governance and Internationalization and as Director of the School. He is also affiliated with the Institute of the Environment and the Institute for Science, Society and Policy. His career reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.
“The energy of this Faculty is inspiring,” he says. “Having the opportunity to help sustain it—and to see it grow—is a true honour.”
A Leadership Style Rooted in Dialogue, Service, and Respect
At the heart of Nathan’s approach is listening to the diverse voices that compose FSS and mobilizing the strengths that already exist within the Faculty.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with three deans,” he reflects. “I understand what the role demands, and I hope to honour the legacy they’ve built while navigating the challenges ahead.”
Among those legacies, reconciliation stands out. “This is one of the greatest gifts my predecessor, Vicky, leaves us,” he says. “I’m committed to continuing to build relationships with Indigenous communities on and off our campus.”
He also expresses a strong desire to reinforce connections with the Franco-Ontarian community. “I’m keen to work with this vibrant part of our Faculty. La Francophonie is core to our identity, and I want to ensure we engage in concrete, meaningful ways.”
Nathan emphasizes the importance of intellectual diversity, which he sees as a defining strength of the Faculty—“we stand out among our peers as a crossroads of intellectual traditions and viewpoints, where disciplines, methodologies, and ideas converge.” Academic freedom and diversity of thought, he adds, “are not just protected here—they are celebrated.”
Pillars for a Dynamic Future
Continuity and stability are top priorities for Nathan. He aims to preserve what works while embracing thoughtful change. He sees the Faculty as a place where critical thinking, public engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration thrive—at the heart of Canada’s capital.
“Decision-makers in Ottawa understand that it’s within the Faculty of Social Sciences that they’ll find the ideas and insights to address the biggest human and political challenges facing our country.”
Innovation in teaching and research will be another focus of his tenure. Rather than a departure from tradition, he views innovation as a natural extension of the Faculty’s existing creative energy. In particular, he is attentive to the growing role of artificial intelligence in postsecondary education.
“AI presents both risks and real potential,” he explains.
“I want us to lead in supporting professors in making choices that align with their pedagogical and research visions.”
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A Catalyst for Human Change
For Nathan, leadership means service. It means building on existing strengths and empowering others to thrive.
“We are more than a place of learning. We are a catalyst for positive change in society—and that change begins with how we support one another in teaching and learning.”
With a year of opportunity and transformation ahead, Nathan Young’s appointment signals both continuity and a call to collective ambition. His vision for the Faculty of Social Sciences is clear: a welcoming, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment—rooted in tradition, open to innovation, and dedicated to shaping the society of tomorrow.