About Wilson College
Redefining the future of leadership
Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement was made possible by a $50-million gift from Chancellor Emeritus Lynton “Red” Wilson and the Wilson Foundation, which was announced in September 2022.
Wilson College is now home to Canada’s only Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts degree and minor in Leadership and Civic Studies.
Along with their work in leadership and civic studies, our students also receive a comprehensive liberal arts education from McMaster’s Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences – providing the societal context, ethical grounding and spirit of inquiry that is essential to strong civic leadership.
There is still much more of our story yet to be written, but we – and our students – are ready to meet the future.
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Leadership Learn More
Meet Wilson College’s Academic Director, Steve Jones, and our External Director, Sara Wolfe.
External Advisory Council Learn More
Led by our External Director, our External Advisory Council is made up of diverse leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors, and advises the college’s Academic Director and the Internal Governing Board.
Staff Learn More
Our administrative staff helps support Wilson College’s day-to-day activities.
Faculty Learn More
Our instructors come from the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and have a wide range of expertise in many different subjects.
Learn more about our namesake, chancellor emeritus L. R. “Red” Wilson.
Our mission
Wilson College is redefining the future of leadership. Our mission is to inspire a new generation of leaders through experiential learning, community action, and interdisciplinary research.
Our vision
What we do
Cultivate the courage to lead and inspire change in individuals and communities.
Our purpose
Empower leaders to address societal challenges with creativity and determination.
Our promise
Wilson College is a space where diversity fuels the development of leaders ready to achieve change and lead with purpose.
Our Core Values
Innovation Education
Embrace forward-thinking educational practices that prepare leaders for the challenges of the future.
Ethical Leadership
Cultivate a deep sense of ethics, responsibility, and service among our students and community.
Resolve
Champion perseverance and determination as core leadership traits.
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Inclusive Excellence
Promote a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Civic Engagement
Connect with local, regional, and national communities.