A professor in rural planning since 1992, Wayne Caldwell has been appointed for a five-year term as director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD), one of six academic units in the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).

Caldwell’s term begins Aug. 8. His expertise includes the future of rural communities, and he has published extensively in the areas of planning, community development, agricultural land preservation, rural land use and the environment.

OAC dean Robert Gordon said: “In addition to his outstanding qualifications as an academic and expertise in the critical areas of rural planning and the environment, Wayne is an experienced facilitator and will bring outstanding leadership to the school.”

The dean also thanked Prof. Maurice Nelischer, who held the director’s position for the last five years. SEDRD provides education and research through programs in landscape architecture, rural planning, capacity development and rural studies.