The University of Guelph has named Dr. Rene Van Acker, professor and dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), as its interim vice-president (research).
He will take on the interim position immediately as a secondment from his role as OAC dean.
During Van Acker’s secondment, Dr. John Cranfield, OAC associate dean (external relations), will serve as acting OAC dean.
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“Dr. Van Acker has been a committed and collaborative champion of the University for many years, evidenced by his service in various leadership roles,” said Dr. Charlotte Yates, president and vice-chancellor. “We appreciate Dr. Van Acker’s service, and we warmly welcome him to the executive team.”
Van Acker has been dean of OAC for seven years.
He will replace Dr. Malcolm Campbell as vice-president (research), who stepped down in late July for personal reasons. He has held that role since 2015 and was a presence in the agriculture industry, especially because of the large role that agriculture plays at the university. He was a key player in the multimillion-dollar research agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, called the Agri-Food Innovation Alliance.
Following an administrative leave, Campbell will focus on his role as a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology within the College of Biological Science.
The university says it will conduct a formal search for a permanent candidate for the vice-president (research) position.
