The University of Guelph has appointed Prof. Ben Bradshaw as assistant vice-president (graduate studies). He begins his five-year term Oct. 17.

The announcement was made today by Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic).

“I look forward to working with Professor Bradshaw to build and enhance our graduate studies office,” she said.

“He brings experience in graduate studies policies and recruitment, and a strong commitment to shared governance and the graduate student experience. I am pleased to welcome him to our team.”

A professor in the Department of Geography since 2004, Bradshaw heads a community-engaged research program on environmental governance. He has served as acting department chair and on the University’s Strategic Renewal Advisory Committee.

During an earlier three-year stint as graduate program chair, he expanded enrolment, developed new programs and increased student intake by 17 per cent annually. Financial support and graduate awards also increased during his tenure.

He was a visiting professor in the School of Environmental Health at the University of British Columbia in 2009-2010, and has taught in the graduate certificate program in the Department of Mining at Queen’s University.

Bradshaw completed his doctorate in rural resource evaluation and environmental analysis at U of G, and holds a BA in geography and environmental resource studies from Trent University.

In making the announcement, Yates thanked members of the search committee and outgoing AVP Anthony Clarke. Following an administrative leave, Clarke will resume his faculty position in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.