Dr. Rene Van Acker Takes Charge as University of Guelph President

Dr. Rene Van Acker has officially assumed the role of president and vice-chancellor of the University of Guelph as of October 2024. This milestone makes him the first alumnus to lead the institution, marking a significant moment in the university’s history. Van Acker’s academic journey began on the Guelph campus in 1985, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a Master of Science in crop science. He later completed his PhD in England and spent over a decade as a professor at the University of Manitoba before returning to Guelph in 2006.

In a recent interview with U of G News, Van Acker expressed a sense of surrealism about his new position. “I still catch myself thinking, How did I get here?” he reflected, highlighting his deep connection to the university. He fondly recalls student life, from painting the cannon to exploring the Arboretum, and emphasized the importance of these experiences in shaping his vision for the future.

Van Acker’s tenure as president follows a series of significant roles within the university, including department chair, associate dean, dean, and vice president of research and innovation. His extensive administrative experience has equipped him with insights into the operational challenges faced by higher education institutions, particularly concerning budgetary constraints.

Vision for a Top-Tier University

Under his leadership, Van Acker aims to elevate the University of Guelph to a top-tier status in the academic landscape. He believes this aspiration requires a structured approach to operations. “We already operate at an immense scale, but it’s about recognizing that this scale doesn’t sustain itself through informal activity,” he noted. Van Acker emphasized that effective processes are essential to maintain the personal touch that distinguishes Guelph.

In his fundraising experience, Van Acker learned that achieving substantial financial goals, such as raising $500,000 for scholarships, requires strategic planning rather than casual efforts. “When serving our students, that means giving them experiences and services that feel top-tier quality and seamless,” he stated. He pointed out that the university’s recent successes, including high National Survey of Student Engagement scores and exceeding philanthropic donation goals, reflect the institution’s potential.

Van Acker is calling for what he describes as a dual mindset—a cultural shift that balances academic dedication with an enterprise approach. “This is not about shifting away from our academic core; it’s about protecting it,” he explained. He stressed the importance of securing resources to invest in the university community, ultimately enhancing the student experience.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

When discussing the future of higher education, Van Acker conveyed optimism despite challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and societal polarization. He noted the increasing demand for university education, particularly in Ontario, where high school students are eager to pursue post-secondary programs. “Students want to come to university,” he asserted, highlighting that 92% of University of Guelph graduates find employment shortly after completing their degrees.

The university plays a crucial role in training highly qualified individuals who contribute to the economy. Van Acker pointed out that Guelph excels in several fields, including veterinary medicine, agriculture, food science, psychology, and engineering, while also driving research and innovation. He stated, “Our mission is consistent: why are we here, and what’s important? To Improve Life.”

Despite the challenges facing higher education, he remains focused on leveraging the university’s strengths to address real-world problems. “There will always be noise and issues swirling around us,” he acknowledged. “But if we stay true to our mission, we’ll be in a strong position, regardless of the issues of the day.”

As Dr. Van Acker embarks on this new chapter as president, he embodies the university’s legacy while also looking forward, aiming to foster an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and community engagement.