Matt Hefler

History Instructor at Saint Mary's University

History instructor Matthew “Matt” Hefler has been teaching at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, since 2019. He currently lectures on international history, teaching undergraduate courses on contemporary world history, diplomacy, intelligence studies, and international conflict. Most of his courses are lecture-based, but he also designs and runs seminars for more advanced students. Matt Hefler began studying history as an undergraduate at St. Francis Xavier University, where he earned a BA and graduated with high honors. He then earned an MA in history from the University of Calgary, where he focused on contemporary international history and intelligence studies and diplomacy.

Prior to joining Saint Mary’s University, Matt Hefler earned a doctor of philosophy in war studies from King’s College London, where he was a Commonwealth Scholar. During this time he served the Ramphal Institute as a research and communications officer. Dr. Hefler has also lent his political copywriting and communications strategy services to both federal and provincial election campaigns and has served as a reviewer for the International History Review.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada