Leadership Renewal for OAC

The OAC Dean’s Office is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Drs. Rebecca Hallett and John Cranfield as Associate Dean – Research and Graduate Studies and Associate Dean – External Relations, respectively.

“Both John and Rebecca were tremendous leaders for the college over that last five years,” shares Dr. Rene Van Acker, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College.  “It was no surprise that they received unanimous support for their re-appointment from their respective review committees and in the community feedback submitted to the committees.”

Hallett’s second five-year-term will start May 1, 2024, as she will be on administrative leave from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. During Hallett’s leave, Dr. Eric Lyons will serve as acting Associate Dean – Research and Graduate Studies.

“Rebecca has been an excellent associate dean for OAC, managing a complex portfolio with ever increasing demands, and facilitating and leading so much success in research across OAC and spearheading the development of new graduate programs,” shares Van Acker. “Her second term priorities include continued graduate student recruitment, research infrastructure and security, tri-agency success and supporting I-EDI efforts in both research and student success. And I am thankful to Eric for taking on these important priorities in an interim capacity while Rebecca is on leave.”

Cranfield’s second five-year-term as Associate Dean – External Relations will begin September 1, 2023.

“John had immense fundraising success in his first term including a great number of newly funded chairs and professorships and a great number of newly funded scholarships and bursaries. He also co-lead I-EDI initiatives across OAC, supported the growth of the OAC advancement team, and expansion of the liaison and communications portfolios,” says Van Acker. “Going forward his priorities focus on continued fundraising, execution of the 150th anniversary celebrations for the college and completion of the new Honey Bee Research Centre.”