Get to know Tarah Brookfield, dean in Laurier’s faculties of Liberal Arts and Human and Social Sciences

Oct. 1, 2026

Tarah Brookfield has watched Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus evolve over nearly two decades.

Since joining Laurier’s Brantford campus in 2009, Brookfield has taught in History and Youth and Children’s Studies, researched topics ranging from children’s health to the Cold War and taken on leadership roles. After serving for a year as interim dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Brookfield began a two-year term as dean of both faculties on July 1, 2026.

As a new academic year gets underway, Brookfield discusses her move from the classroom to academic leadership, the value of an education in liberal arts and social sciences, what makes Laurier’s Brantford campus distinctive and what she hopes to build for its future.

You’ve been teaching at Laurier since 2009. What has it been like transitioning from the classroom to the dean’s office?

Initially, I agreed to serve as interim dean until the university could conduct a search and complete the hiring process. However, I really enjoyed serving as interim dean, and when the role was eventually posted – about six months into my service – I decided to apply. I had learned a lot in the interim position and wanted a chance to apply.

Stepping into leadership has been a great chance to be part of a bigger team and work with the many faculty, staff and students throughout Liberal Arts and Human and Social Sciences. I feel very immersed in the university, its people and the ways we can work together.

What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?

Collectively, we’ve welcomed just under 500 new students to programs within Liberal Arts and Human and Social Sciences, which is an exciting start to the academic year. It's been great to see the energy and enthusiasm of students on campus.

We are working on a co-op option for the Criminology program, which will be available in the 2027-28 academic year. The Indigenous Studies program is moving to a standalone program; previously, it was offered only in combination with another discipline. I’m also collaborating with the Office of the President on the new Brantford campus initiative, Hawk Talk and Trivia Night, which brings forward faculty research and expertise in a fun and accessible way.

How do you talk to students and their families about the value of a liberal arts or social science education in relation to career outcomes?

It’s an enormous task to take on an undergraduate degree, whatever discipline a student chooses, yet there seems to be a misunderstanding about some fields of study if the career path isn’t as obvious as others. Graduating with a liberal arts or social science degree demonstrates an incredible range of skills. Laurier's liberal arts and social science graduates have the skills to think critically, are strong communicators, and are prepared to engage in significant issues affecting our local and global communities.

Laurier’s Brantford campus recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. What excites you about what the campus has already achieved, and how do you hope to build on that during your time as dean?

Starting a new campus from scratch is an exciting but daunting proposition, as our Milton colleagues know, but to see our growth at the Brantford campus – from just a few dozen students when we opened our doors in 1999 to over 2,400 now – is incredible. Within the faculties of Liberal Arts and Human and Social Sciences, we have grown to 12 departments, 15 undergraduate and four graduate programs, and contribute to a vibrant campus culture and student community. That is a triumph!

Looking ahead to the next 25 years at Laurier’s Brantford campus, continuing to be nimble and responsive is key, but so is holding strong to our core values. The community spirit among faculty, staff and students at the Brantford campus is so strong; there is a real sense of working together that spans academic disciplines. Our spirit is our biggest strength, and I can only imagine where that will take us in the next quarter-century.

Laurier prides itself on inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by the way young people move forward in their lives and actively challenge the way things are. I think many young people are empathetic and care about justice; they are trying to call out the adults who, in their eyes, have let the world down on big issues. That youth voice is very important.

What lights you up outside of your professional life?

I enjoy creative writing and am working on a historic fiction novel. Unlike academic writing, which requires evidence-based writing and footnotes, fiction offers some leniency. I may try to get them published one day, but for now, it's just an outlet to be creative. I also love board games. A current favourite is Wingspan, which centres on attracting birds to various habitats. It’s a very peaceful, gentle sort of game. Spending time with my family is always fun. My teenage daughter and I also enjoy musical theatre and playing with our Welsh Corgi, Daisy.