What's New
New Associate Dean for OAC to focus on Outreach & Communications
September 17, 2009
Professor Rene Van Acker, former chair of OAC’s department of Plant Agriculture, has been appointed to the newly established position of associate dean (external relations) for the college. The appointment, effective immediately, is for a five-year term.
The announcement was made by OAC dean Rob Gordon, who chaired the search committee.
“I am very pleased to welcome Rene to OAC’s senior administrative team,” said Gordon. “His tremendous leadership skills, passion and enthusiasm will help to support the many new opportunities that exist for the Ontario Agricultural College over the coming years. He will also continue to enhance our longstanding relationship with our exceptional alumni as well as our many government and industry partners.”
In making the announcement, Gordon also thanked the members of Selection Committee for their significant efforts and commitment in the selection process.
The associate dean (external relations) will be responsible for issues relating to alumni and development activities, communications, outreach, endowments and student awards, on all four OAC campuses. Included in the role will be the promotion, communication, coordination and development of OAC’s outreach and extension activities.
A professor and chair of the department of Plant Agriculture since 2006, Van Acker is an OAC alumnus, holding both BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Guelph, as well as a PhD from the University of Reading. Prior to returning to Guelph, he served as a faculty member at the University of Manitoba. His longstanding commitment to service and outreach has resulted in leadership in a number of professional, industry and community groups, while his research in the areas of weed ecology, biosafety and transgene confinement has been recognized through numerous awards and regular invitations for presentations and collaborations nationally and internationally.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the tremendous faculty and staff of OAC as well as a vibrant and very large community of alumni and beneficiaries,” Van Acker said. “Today, more than ever, OAC must draw on external resources and partners to extend our capacity as global leaders in education, research and service in the agriculture, food and environmental science sectors. Fortunately, OAC and the University of Guelph provide a tremendous foundation to build upon and I know there are many traditional partners already helping us and many new partners waiting to help us make a difference.”
For more information, contact OAC Communications: Brenda Cassidy at 519-824-4120, ext 56832 or bcassidy@uoguelph.ca
