Long-time University of Guelph’s faculty member Dr. John Cranfield has been named the new dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).
Cranfield has been leading the college as interim and acting dean since July, 2023 and now begins a the five-year appointment.
As dean, his focus will be to elevate OAC’s local strength, national leadership, and global impact in food, agriculture, communities and the environment, says a university release.
Cranfield’s journey at U of G started as a student, having earned his MSc and BSc in agricultural economics. After obtaining his PhD from Purdue University, he taught at the University of Manitoba before returning to Guelph in 2001. Since then, Cranfield has been a faculty member at OAC in the Department of Food, Agricultural Resources and Economics (FARE).
“OAC is truly an incredible place,” says Cranfield. “As I led OAC during its 150th anniversary last year, I was reminded of the college’s storied legacy and enduring relevance in addressing global challenges in food, agriculture, rural communities and the environment. I am honoured to continue advancing this legacy.”
During his time as interim dean, Cranfield helped fundraise for a new building for the Honey Bee Research Centre, led the development of the Foundations in Agricultural Management program in conjunction with RBC, and fundraised for key research chairs, scholarships and renovations to Johnston Hall.
