Dean, Ontario Agricultural College

The University of Guelph is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts and humanities, business, social sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. Its students, faculty, and staff pursue active inquiry and exercise creativity across a range of disciplines. With campuses in Guelph, Ridgetown, and Toronto (University of Guelph-Humber in partnership with Humber College), the U of G is home to nearly 27,000 undergraduate and over 3,000 graduate students, including over 1,400 international students from over 120 countries. With a strong focus on its strategic plan, the University of Guelph’s vision is to strive for global excellence, strengthen the University’s commitment to Indigenization, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reimagine the student experience.

OAC is a founding college of the University of Guelph, and is recognized as Canada’s largest and most renowned agricultural college. Uniquely positioned, OAC encompasses a province-wide network of campuses, field stations, a 400-acre Arboretum, and research facilities, enabling OAC to be a global leader in education, research, and service in agriculture, food, environmental sciences, and rural community development. With four major areas of focus – agriculture, environment, food, and communities – and six academic units located on two campuses, the Ontario Agricultural College attracts $50 million in research funding annually. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024, the OAC has earned an international reputation for its teaching and research excellence. This reputation is bolstered by the outstanding calibre of its students, faculty, and staff; the strength of its partnerships with government and industry, and the unwavering support of its network of more than 35,000 committed alumni.

The new Dean will work together with an executive team to build on this success, and continue to drive OAC forward. The College is seeking a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who has the ambition to develop and strengthen OAC’s place as a world leader and enhance Canada’s position as an agricultural exporter. The Dean will bolster OAC’s international reputation and attract the brightest and most talented faculty and students from around the world.

The successful candidate will be an established scholar and expert in a relevant field, appointable at the rank of full professor, with experience in a leadership position. They will have the ability to think and act strategically, to work collegially across the institution, and demonstrate the ability to make decisions in a clear and consultative manner. The new Dean must be a person with superb leadership skills, showcase evidence of creating a positive culture, and have a track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The Dean will demonstrate a global perspective and excellent interpersonal skills to build, nurture, and deepen the many relationships and partnerships vital to the College’s success. Creative and innovative, the Dean will display success in reimagining academic programming and partnerships, and steer the sector through significant technological developments. The financial skills and experience to shepherd OAC through a period of budgetary transition are essential. This is an outstanding opportunity to provide leadership to a world-renowned agricultural college, at one of Canada’s finest universities.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our institution.

Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by December 4, 2024 at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30032. The position will remain open until filled. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Julia Robarts and Nick Ketley of Odgers Berndtson at deanoac@odgersberndtson.com

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