"I vow a deep dedication to this role and to our beloved University of Guelph."
Dr. Rene Van Acker stepped onto campus more than 40 years ago a time when the University's founding colleges were securing their spot as leaders, stewarding the health of animals, agriculture, people and communities.
It is a history that gives U of G its distinct character, Van Acker says, one that is rooted locally but connected globally.
"Now, we need to embrace who we've become and let it fuel our growth and our prominence," he said, at an installation ceremony held on Oct. 18.
The first U of G alumnus to serve as president and vice-chancellor, Van Acker aims to honour his U of G roots while building on more than 150 years of history through his vision of a bold new chapter.
"The University of Guelph stands on the precipice of reaching its fullest potential as a top-tier university."
A world-renowned scholar, Van Acker has spent nearly 30 years in academia, holding senior leadership roles as chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture, dean of OAC and vice-president (research and innovation). He was unanimously appointed as 10th president by the University's Board of Governors with his five-year term beginning July 2025.
At his installation ceremony, Van Acker shared with attendees that his tenure will focus on enhancing student experience, research impact and partnerships across public and private sectors.
"U of G will continue to be a place where donors, government and industry partners can invest in the next generation of leaders and the solutions of tomorrow."
Preparing leaders of tomorrow, leading research of today
Rene Van Acker, U of G president and vice-chancellor
Students can expect a sharper focus on hands-on learning, he said, with co-ops, field schools and research projects that build the confidence and skills needed for lifelong careers.
As a point of pride, Van Acker shared U of G grads remain in high demand in today's job market.
"We prepare graduates who are thoughtful, adaptable, practical and ready to lead."
In addition, Van Acker will continue U of G's commitment to research, innovations and discoveries that tackle real-world problems.
"Teaching, research, discovery and innovation are the heart of our mission, and everything else must serve to strengthen that."
This is the foundation of his vision of a top-tier university: a place to foster the excellence of graduates, staff and faculty and the impact they can make.
"That is why we will need to rely on all of you, all of us, who make the University of Guelph what it is and will be. Together, we can show leadership in what it means to run a modern university, one where our students, staff and faculty thrive."
Strengthening heart of our mission
Amid the challenges facing higher education, Van Acker called upon the community to remember U of G's core strengths while fostering "a dual mindset," one that drives both academic and enterprise achievement.
"This is not about shifting away from our academic core; it's about protecting it," he said.
Closing his remarks with reflection, Van Acker shared his upbringing on a farm in southern Ontario, where he learned the transformative value of hard work as he adapted to the uncertainties tied to the seasons.
"Our work today, for the University of Guelph and its future, in many ways is no different," he said. "We face challenges and change, and yet we endure and thrive because we are driven and inspired by the value of what we are doing, where we are going and what we are building together."
