President and Vice-Chancellor

The University has partnered with Odgers Berndtson for this search. Inquiries and applications may be submitted, in confidence, to Julia Robarts, Colleen Keenan and Krutika Hotwani at guelphpresident@odgersberndtson.com.

The University of Guelph invites nominations and applications for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor.

The University is seeking a President who has the courage and vision to imagine what a 21st century university can and should be and a compelling leadership style that energizes the community and harnesses the institution’s strengths. The President will bring an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, a strong orientation to strategy, and the skills and experience to develop new revenue streams for the University. Student-centered, authentic, and engaging, they will have a deep commitment to collegial governance coupled with an exceptional ability to empower a high-performing team to move the University of Guelph forward in today’s unpredictable environment.

The new President will value, embrace and speak up for Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (IEDI); nurture an environment that encourages dialogue and a diversity of perspectives; foster productive external partnerships and resources; champion teaching and research innovation; advance the student experience; and increase the University’s national and international impact.

The President of the University of Guelph will be a respected and globally-minded leader, with a distinguished administrative track record ideally earned in a complex, publicly funded post-secondary institution. They will be an excellent communicator, an inspiring and transparent leader, and a person of unassailable integrity and character.

Above all, the new President must embrace this university and its people and bring a deeply felt commitment to the success of the institution.

Established in 1964, the University of Guelph is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, ranked among the top 33% of all institutions worldwide, with a record of outstanding scholarship in veterinary sciences, agriculture, biological sciences, business, physical and engineering sciences, social sciences, arts, and the humanities. Its students, faculty, and staff pursue active inquiry and exercise creativity across a range of disciplines. With campuses in Guelph, Ridgetown, and Toronto (University of Guelph-Humber in partnership with Humber Polytechnic), Guelph is home to seven colleges, more than 31,000 students, including over 3,000 graduate students, and 4,000 full-time faculty and staff members.

The University of Guelph has achieved prominence in Canada and around the world for its commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. The University plays an integral role in the educational, business, and cultural life of the province of Ontario, through the impact of its teaching, research, and community service, and through its special mandate to serve the Province in support of the agri-food sector and veterinary medicine. Dedicated to improving life in the areas of food, water, environment, animal and human health, community, commerce, culture, and learning, the University of Guelph community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, an obligation to address local and global issues, and sustainability.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of the institution. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Consideration of candidates will begin in early April 2025, with the expectation that the new President will take office in summer 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The University of Guelph has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson for this recruitment. To view the candidate brief and detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/job/30156

The University has partnered with Odgers Berndtson for this search. Inquiries and applications may be submitted, in confidence, to Julia Robarts, Colleen Keenan and Krutika Hotwani at guelphpresident@odgersberndtson.com.

Date Posted: 04/02/2025
Deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found.