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GlobalX Publications
On July 2, 2025, the University of Guelph welcomed a familiar face into its highest office. Dr. Rene Van Acker, long known for his expertise in sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems, assumed the role of President and Vice-Chancellor. For the university community, this moment felt less like a change of direction and more like a natural continuation of a journey rooted in growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Dr. Van Acker’s career is a testament to the power of vision grounded in science and community. Before becoming President, he served as Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (2015–2025), where he guided groundbreaking research and strengthened the college’s reputation as a hub for agricultural innovation. His scholarship in sustainable agriculture has not only advanced academic understanding but also addressed some of the most pressing global challenges food security, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices.
This strong foundation has shaped his approach to leadership. To Dr. Van Acker, universities are more than centers of research; they are catalysts for societal change. His presidency signals a deepened commitment to the University of Guelph’s mission of blending academic excellence with global responsibility.
One of the defining aspects of Dr. Van Acker’s leadership is his focus on sustainability. In a world grappling with climate change and the urgent need for responsible resource use, he sees the University of Guelph as uniquely positioned to lead. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation in food systems, and inclusive community engagement, he envisions a university that not only educates students but also equips them to become problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.
For him, sustainability is not a buzzword. It is a guiding principle woven into research, teaching, partnerships, and campus life. Whether it’s reducing the environmental footprint of university operations or pioneering global solutions for agriculture, Dr. Van Acker’s leadership reaffirms the University of Guelph’s identity as “Canada’s food university” with a global impact.
Equally important to his presidency is the commitment to inclusivity and research-driven growth. Dr. Van Acker recognizes that innovation flourishes in environments where diverse perspectives are valued. His approach emphasizes fostering spaces where students, faculty, and staff feel empowered to contribute their voices. By aligning sustainability with inclusivity, he frames the university as a place where progress is both equitable and forward-looking.
At GlobalX Publications, we celebrate leaders who redefine higher education through transformative ideas and impactful leadership. Dr. Rene Van Acker exemplifies this vision. His journey from scholar to President demonstrates how expertise and empathy can come together to create meaningful change.
As the University of Guelph steps into this new chapter, guided by Dr. Van Acker’s leadership, the message is clear: higher education is not only about advancing knowledge but about shaping a better, more sustainable world.
In Dr. Van Acker’s story, we see a reminder of what true leadership looks like rooted in scholarship, committed to innovation, and dedicated to building a future where both people and the planet can thrive.
