The University of Windsor has found a new president.
Dr. Robert Gordon has been named the school's seventh president and vice-chancellor.
Former president Alan Wildeman retired June 30, 2018, and Dr. Douglas Kneale has been serving as interim president since.
Dr. Gordon is currently provost and vice-president academic at Wilfrid Laurier University and is a renowned authority on environmental issues and agricultural engineering in Canada.
In a news release issued late Friday afternoon, the university said he also has a proven background as a research champion and will bring strengths in promoting research excellence, while integrating teaching and community engagement to the University of Windsor.
“Dr. Gordon is an exceptional leader who will make an outstanding president for the University of Windsor. He is a respected scholar, experienced strategic administrator and accomplished innovator,” said Board of Governors Chair William Willis.
Willis added his vision and energy, and his effective and strong collaborative leadership skills make him the ideal president to lead the university, build on its recent successes, and deliver continuing high-quality student, faculty, and staff experiences.
Dr. Gordon was also dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, where he led the largest agriculture and food faculty in Canada.
Wilfrid Laurier University was first among Canadian universities in research efficiency, and second in relative research funding growth during his tenure.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the University of Windsor family and look forward to working with our exceptional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners in building on the commitment to excellence that exists throughout our incredible institution,” said Dr. Gordon.
Dr. Gordon has bachelor and master’s degrees in engineering from McGill University, and a PhD in Land Resource Science from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Gordon will assume his role as university president on September 1.