Leadership Transition Planning to Begin

The University of Guelph’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Gwen Chapman, is retiring from the role as of July 31, 2024.

Dr. Chapman joined the University in 2016 as the dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS). She was named interim provost and vice-president (academic) in August 2020 and after successfully serving in this role, was appointed provost and vice-president (academic) in April 2021.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the provost and vice-president (academic) for the University of Guelph,” said Chapman. “I am honoured to have supported the University in its commitment to broaden its national and international role in pursuing academic excellence.”

Under Chapman’s leadership, the University has achieved many notable accomplishments including establishing the Teaching and Learning Network and the inaugural cohort of the University Teaching Leadership Fellows; continuing the advancement of U of G’s equity and diversity hiring with the launch of the Black and Indigenous faculty and staff hiring initiative in 2022, building on the Indigenous faculty hiring program initiated in 2016;  mobilizing the Steering Committee for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence; and navigating the University through the successful return to campus post COVID-19.

“As one of Canada’s top-funded and leading experts in social science nutritional research, Dr. Chapman has had a distinguished career that has seen her bring her passion and innovative approach to our academic programming at the University,” said Dr. Charlotte Yates, president and vice-chancellor. “I would like to thank Dr. Chapman for being a trusted advisor and serving our University with the utmost care.”

A formal provost and vice-president (academic) search in accordance with Board of Governors policies and procedures, will commence in the coming weeks, added Yates.

“Over the next nine months, we will work to ensure a smooth transition period for the University, and the University community will be kept informed throughout the process.”

More U of G News:

  1. Remembering and Taking Action Against Gender-Based Violence
  2. U of G Holds 2nd Place in Top Canadian Research University Rankings
  3. U of G Exploring Plan to Expand Graduate, Undergraduate Student Housing
  4. Cultivating Innovation for World Soil Day