Building on president Franco Vaccarino’s Global@Guelph initiative, a new strategic effort to internationalize the University of Guelph will be launched to make U of G an institution of choice for international students and faculty.
A new assistant vice-president (international strategy and partnerships) will develop and implement an international strategy for U of G, and will report to Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic).
During an ongoing search for the new AVP, Prof. Stuart McCook, Department of History, will serve as interim AVP-International to help plan and implement the international portfolio.
“Internationalism is a key component to creating an inclusive, vibrant campus community, and thus is a strategic priority for U of G,” Yates said.
“Knowledge-sharing and diversity are also enhanced by increased numbers of international students and faculty, field work and research opportunities, and new global partnerships.”
Working across academic and administrative units on campus, the new AVP will identify and cultivate links with target regions and schools worldwide. The incumbent will advise University leaders on opportunities and strategies and will co-ordinate international agreements and partnerships, international student recruitment and international alumni.
As internationalism is a University priority, it is important to have someone acting in the position during the search process, Yates said.
She added that McCook has extensive international experience in addition to speaking several languages. “I am delighted that Stuart has agreed to serve in an interim capacity. I know the University community will join me in supporting him in this new position.”
A U of G history professor since 2003, McCook has served as associate dean of research and graduate studies in the College of Arts.
A specialist in global environmental history, he previously worked at The College of New Jersey and the University of Minnesota.
He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in history from Princeton University, and a master’s in science and technology studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He completed undergraduate studies in history and philosophy of science at the University of Toronto.