Rob Gordon, dean of the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), has been named vice-president, research, at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. He begins his appointment Nov. 1.

Calling the appointment a great opportunity for Gordon and an outstanding hire for Laurier, U of G president Franco Vaccarino said: “Rob is an excellent leader who tackled important operational challenges while creating a positive and forward-moving work environment. He is dedicated to students, staff and faculty alike, and helped grow OAC’s reputation for agri-food innovation. We will miss Rob and wish him the very best in this exciting new senior role.”

Gordon began his term as OAC dean in 2008 after arriving from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. He was reappointed for a five-year term in June 2013.

“It has truly been an honour and privilege to be dean of OAC, and I will forever be indebted to what the OAC has provided me both as a student and more recently as dean,” said Gordon, who graduated from U of G with a PhD in 1996.

While at U of G, Gordon has been commended by colleagues for his vision, energy and commitment, and for developing excellent working relationships at U of G and with the agri-food sector, government and industry partners, and alumni.

“I’m truly proud of the fact that Ontario’s vibrant and innovative agriculture and agri-food sector is in large part the result of the tremendous educational programs and world-class research conducted through the college,” he said.

“I am grateful to all the faculty, staff and students who have contributed to make OAC a leading agricultural institution internationally. Being a part of OAC is something that I will never forget.”