Dr. Rene Van Acker, a world-renowned scholar and leader deeply rooted in the University of Guelph community, has been appointed U of G's 10th president and vice-chancellor.
Unanimously approved by the University's Board of Governors, the appointment begins a five-year term, effective July 2, 2025.
Van Acker says he is assuming the role at a time when U of G is on a "pathway to becoming a top-tier university" not just in Canada, but around the world.
"I want to inspire the University community as we navigate this bold new chapter. This moment calls for us to transform how we think and what we imagine is possible."
With nearly 30 years in academia including in senior leadership roles as chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture, dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and vice-president (research and innovation) Van Acker is widely known for fostering trust and building high-performing teams across the institution.
"His innovative thinking and grounded leadership style are the perfect qualities to lead U of G," says Nancy Brown Andison, chair of the Board of Governors and the Presidential Search Committee.
"He has overseen multimillion-dollar research portfolios and built high-impact initiatives amid resource constraints, demonstrating a proven record of vision and action. Dr. Rene Van Acker is the leader needed to help elevate the institution to the next level."
'Think big'
As he steps into the presidency, Van Acker is focused on encouraging the University community to "think big."
He highlights U of G's competitive rankings: ninth for reputation among Canadian universities, first in Canada for veterinary science and among the top universities for total research funding, with more than 20 Canada Research Chairs held at U of G.
"Despite our achievements, we often perceive ourselves as smaller' than we actually are. It is time to recognize our scale and impact and to not limit ourselves," he says. "Our mission to Improve Life and our ability to solve real-world challenges are clearly needed in the world."
Applying our expertise to make a global impact has always been part of U of G's culture and is what draws people to the institution, he adds.
"We are investigating ways to protect our global groundwater resources, cataloguing every species in the world's largest DNA library, securing Earth's food supply, tackling emerging diseases through One Health, improving the mental health of communities, exploring the human experience through interdisciplinary creativity and advancing ethical, sustainable business practices that shape tomorrow's leaders all under one institution.
"These are just a few examples of our many strengths. We do great things I know we will do greater."
A leader invested in U of G
A proud alumnus, Van Acker grew up on a farm near Burford, Ont., and received his bachelor of science and master's degree in crop science and weed science at U of G. He also holds a PhD from the University of Reading in the U.K.
"I am passionate about this place because it is my alma mater," he says, "and because I believe extraordinary years are still ahead."
Van Acker has invested a majority of his career into U of G, and over this time, the institution has grown in its range of programs, research capacity, student population and contributions at the national and international level.
He has launched several internationally recognized U of G initiatives, co-founding the Arrell Food Institute and leading the development of the new Guelph Turfgrass Institute, the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre, the Honey Bee Research Centre, Soils at Guelph and more.
He has also helped lead the development of dozens of course-based graduate programs to bolster academic offerings and revenue.
As such, he has seen the transformative impact of U of G's student experience firsthand.
"The most important thing we do is graduate highly qualified people," he says. "At U of G, we do that by focusing on the whole student, giving them that quintessential university experience they've been envisioning: interdisciplinary courses, experiential learning, innovative classrooms and a campus of belonging, inspiration and connection. Students don't just graduate with real-world skills; they become highly ethical, collaborative and practical qualities employers value in today's market."
More than 90% of U of G graduates find meaningful work within months, he adds.
"Our thoughtful attention to our students' success and well-being results in the distinct student experience we are known for. We all contribute to that, and it is something we can all be proud of."
Cultivating an engaged community
Looking to the future of his term, Van Acker is committed to cultivating an engaged community by building confidence and trust.
He says he feels immense gratitude and a deep responsibility for every member of the U of G community.
"There is no way an institution can move forward progressively through the efforts of one person," he says. "Each of us plays a crucial part in our mission of delivering academic and research excellence and a distinct and valuable student experience."
With a goal of reaching new heights, Van Acker says the next chapter of U of G will be written through the collective creativity and dedication he sees across campus. He says U of G can and will become a place of greater possibilities, innovation and excellence.
"This is how bold new chapters begin," he says. "Forward, together."
