Dr. Rene Van Acker Charts Future as University of Guelph President

Dr. Rene Van Acker has officially taken the helm as the University of Guelph (U of G) president, marking a significant milestone in his 40-year relationship with the institution. Appointed in October 2024, Van Acker is the first alumnus to hold this position. He aims to leverage his extensive experience to guide U of G towards becoming a top-tier university while staying true to its foundational values.

His office reflects a commitment to U of G’s legacy, featuring a robotic gut model and a miniature leather jacket, symbolizing the college’s diverse research and educational endeavors. Van Acker’s journey began in 1985 when he first arrived on campus as a student, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a Master of Science in crop science. After completing his PhD in England and serving as a professor at the University of Manitoba for over a decade, he returned to U of G in 2006. He has since held various leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as vice president of research and innovation prior to his presidency.

Reflecting on his transition from student to president, Van Acker expressed a sense of disbelief. “I still catch myself thinking, ‘How did I get here?’” he shared. His personal experiences as a student provide him with a unique perspective on the needs and aspirations of current students.

Vision for the Future of U of G

Van Acker has articulated a bold vision for U of G, emphasizing the need for a “dual mindset” that balances academic integrity with an entrepreneurial approach. He believes that achieving the university’s ambitious goals requires not only recognizing its existing scale but also implementing clear strategies that foster personal connections within the campus community.

“While we’re dedicated to our academic mission, we’re also dedicated to our enterprise mission,” he stated. This approach is essential for securing resources that will enhance student opportunities and maintain the high-quality experiences for which U of G is known.

The university has already seen notable achievements, including impressive results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which indicates high levels of student satisfaction. Last year, U of G also experienced its most successful fundraising year, exceeding its targets, and it ranked among the top ten Canadian institutions in the 2025 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

Embracing Challenges and Opportunities

As higher education faces challenges such as the impact of artificial intelligence and the ongoing climate crisis, Van Acker remains optimistic. He pointed out that demand for university education is on the rise, particularly in Ontario, where a growing number of high school graduates are seeking post-secondary opportunities.

“The demand for higher education continues to grow,” he noted, highlighting that 92% of U of G graduates find employment shortly after completing their degrees. This underscores the importance of universities as institutions that not only educate but also contribute significantly to the workforce and economy.

U of G’s role extends beyond education; it is also a leader in research and innovation, particularly in fields such as veterinary medicine, agriculture, food systems, psychology, and cybersecurity. Van Acker emphasized that the university’s efforts to address real-world problems through collaboration with various partners are vital for driving progress and solutions.

In conclusion, Dr. Rene Van Acker’s presidency at the University of Guelph represents a commitment to building on a rich legacy while navigating the complexities of modern higher education. His focus on maintaining a balance between academic excellence and entrepreneurial growth, alongside a deep understanding of the student experience, positions U of G for a promising future. As he succinctly put it, “To Improve Life” remains the guiding mission, ensuring the university adapts and thrives amid evolving challenges.