Dean's Corner

Richard McCutcheon, PhD

Dean, Faculty of Arts

Dr. McCutcheon’s engagement with administrative leadership is informed by 35+ years of studies, teaching, research and service in university settings. It is also influenced by his periodic work with non-governmental and charitable organizations.

Much of Rick’s scholarly and humanitarian work has focused on issues of peace, conflict, human rights and social justice with a particular focus on the large-scale violence experienced by the country of Iraq, where he traveled in times of war and later lived for one year with his partner as country representatives for two non-governmental organizations. For many years, Rick was a highly regarded professor in the Conflict Resolution Studies and International Development Studies programs of Menno Simons College at The University of Winnipeg.

Prior to coming to TRU, Rick held academic dean roles at The University of Winnipeg and Algoma University, where he also functioned for three years as the Acting VP Academic for the institution. Now, in his second term at TRU, Rick continues to enjoy opportunities to work with colleagues in the Faculty of Arts.

Rick holds a BA (Hons) with a major in Religious Studies and a minor in Sociology from Brandon University, an MA in Comparative Religious Studies, and a PhD in Anthropology from McMaster University. In addition to various journal articles and opinion pieces, he is co-author or co-editor of three book length monographs, including the widely read When the Rain Returns: Toward Justice and Reconciliation in Palestine and Israel and Voices of Harmony and Dissent: How Peacemakers are Transforming their Worlds.

True to his anthropological inclinations, Rick enjoys the outdoors and travelling to experience diverse cultures. He can often be found relaxing on patios in urban centers exploring the various and eclectic cuisines or out in nature photographing landscapes and wildlife as contemplative practice. Rick and his partner are parents to a creative and energetic eleven-year-old boy.