Dear U of G students, faculty and staff,
I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the new Provost and Vice-President (Academic). Since starting in this role in August, I have been truly overwhelmed by the warmth of this community, the dedication of everyone I have met, and the collective commitment to advancing our university and its positive impact locally, nationally, and globally.
As we embark on this new academic year together, I feel a profound sense of excitement, as well as a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead. The University of Guelph has a proud tradition of academic excellence, innovation, community engagement, and delivering an exceptional student experience. I am eager to work alongside all of you to continue advancing these values, ensuring that our students, faculty and staff thrive academically, personally, and professionally in an environment that supports their growth and success.
In the face of a rapidly evolving educational landscape and complex global challenges, it is essential that we approach both our opportunities and obstacles together. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration—across disciplines, departments, and with our broader community. As Provost, my role is to support meaningful discussions, encourage the generation of new ideas, and facilitate initiatives from across campus. I am committed to creating opportunities for all voices to be heard, ensuring that we work together to shape our shared future.
To this end, I plan to launch a series of workshops in October to engage faculty, staff, and students in collective dialogue, helping us better realize our goals and aspirations. The future we wish to create will not be the result of individual efforts, but of our collective strength as a university community.
The University of Guelph is home to ground-breaking research, innovative teaching, outstanding student experiences, and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and reconciliation. I am proud to be part of this welcoming and engaged community, and I am energized by the continued and growing positive impact we will have together.
Sincerely,