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Two new leaders appointed at University of Guelph

The University of Guelph in Ontario has filled two senior leadership positions in the past week.

Warland new OAC academic associate dean

Today, the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) announced that Jon Warland has been appointed the next associate dean (academic). His five-year term beings on Jan. 1, 2021.

In this role, Warland acts as key member of the OAC senior leadership team and is responsible for leading and managing academic processes in the college. He has served as the director of the university’s School of Environmental Sciences since 2015.

“Jon gained key experience for this leadership role during his five years as director. He demonstrated his commitment to program quality assurance, new program development and student success,” said Rene Van Acker, OAC dean.

Warland has been with the University of Guelph since 1999, shortly after he received his PhD from the university.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to focus on student success and work towards a truly inclusive experience for all of our undergraduate and diploma students in the OAC,” Warland said.

Shepherd new director of Ridgetown Campus

Last Wednesday, Brett Shepherd, a two-time University of Guelph graduate, was named the new director of the university’s Ridgetown Campus.

“Brett has the professional managerial skills that are required to lead the campus into a new era of innovation and growth,” Van Acker said. “He has demonstrated innovation and an ability to motivate people to create and drive new ideas and initiatives.

“Brett is also from the area and understands the importance of Ridgetown Campus to southwestern Ontario, as well as its impact on agriculture education and production throughout the province.”

Starting on Nov. 16, Shepherd will oversee critical, day-to-day business functions of the campus.

Shepherd said he’s honoured to join the Ridgetown Campus family. “The campus is a special place with a close-knit community that provides a critical education service to our province and the country. I look forward to helping the campus grow and build upon its solid foundation.”