The University of Guelph has announced that Franco Vaccarino will be stepping down as president and vice-chancellor, effective Aug. 1, 2020.
Vaccarino was appointed as the university’s eighth president in 2014 and said the decision to leave was a difficult one.
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“I believe the timing is right, both for me personally and for the university, to make this change,” he said in a statement.
“I have spent a great deal of time and energy working with the U of G community to build on the university’s long-standing history and strengths, balancing our position as a global powerhouse in agri-food and veterinary sciences with being a top comprehensive university.”
Vaccarino will continue to serve as a faculty member in the department of psychology following an administrative leave beginning in fall 2020.
The move comes after a January 2018 decision to reappoint Vaccarino as president until 2024.
The university pointed to his leadership in creating a strategic planning framework and touted fundraising and research achievements during his tenure.
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“We plan to build on President Vaccarino’s many successes and continue promoting the important work being done at this world-class institution,” said Shauneen Bruder, chair of the university’s board of governors.
A formal search for a replacement will commence in the coming weeks.
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