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Strategic Renewal Advisory Committee

January – June 2016

Committee Representation

The Strategic Renewal Advisory Committee provided expertise and advice to help interpret

inputs into the strategic renewal project and to provide recommendations for the draft

strategic renewal document. The committee included faculty, staff, students, board members,

alumni and members of the external community. The committee was chaired by President

Vaccarino.

The advisory committee selection processes took place in fall 2015. The committee’s final

composition was based on advice from Senate and others. It ensured the committee

incorporated perspectives and expertise consistent with the breadth of the University’s

academic and administrative structure.

Committee Members

Franco Vaccarino (Committee Chair) President & Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino began his term as president and vice-chancellor of the

University of Guelph in August 2014. Described as a builder and a visionary, he

brought to Guelph a track record as a proven administrator with remarkable academic

achievements, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a powerful commitment to community and

societal engagement. A distinguished researcher and teacher, he has focused on emerging

areas of study and innovative experiential learning opportunities. He is an internationally

recognized and widely published researcher and scholar, with more than 100 academic

publications.

Dr. Vaccarino became principal of the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and vice-

president of the University of Toronto in 2007, and was reappointed in 2012. He is credited

with the significant expansion of UTSC’s campus and faculty, and with the development of new

and emerging areas of scholarship and experiential learning opportunities. He has received

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honours from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian College of

Neuropsychopharmacology and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). In 2014, he

was named a Fellow of the CAHS, considered one of the highest honours for individuals in

health sciences in this country. He has served as executive vice-president (programs) and vice-

president (research) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and as vice-president and

director of research, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, both in Toronto.

Dr. Vaccarino holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. and a PhD in psychology

from McGill University. He was a post-doctoral researcher at the Scripps and Salk institutes in

California.

Katherine Bishop BSc Hon. '12, MSc '14, Graduate Student, Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary

College

Katherine (Kate) Bishop is a PhD student at the University of Guelph in the

Department of Population Medicine. She completed an honours bachelor of science degree at

the University of Guelph in 2012 in bio-medical science, and a master of science in 2014 in

epidemiology.

Kate’s M.Sc. introduced her to ecohealth. Her thesis was titled: “The Impact of Heat Waves in

Rural Southern Ontario on Dairy Cow Mortality and Human Emergency Room Visits.” Using

statistical and epidemiological skills learned in her master’s program, Kate is working on a

project in Bwindi, Uganda, identifying spatial and temporal patterns in climate-sensitive

respiratory infectious disease outcomes in indigenous populations. Kate's primary research

interest is to determine the representativeness of hospital data for populations most vulnerable

to climate change. Additionally, Kate’s research will involve a number of knowledge transfer

and translation initiatives and research related to their success. Kate also does research on

climate-sensitive health outcomes among indigenous peoples in Canada’s far North.

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Benjamin Bradshaw PhD '99, Associate Professor, Geography, College of Social and Applied Human

Sciences

Ben Bradshaw is a geography professor at the University of Guelph, with

expertise in environmental governance and a research program primarily centred on Canada’s

mining sector, especially its relations with indigenous communities.

Ben has cultivated an understanding of the University's history and reputation based not only

on his faculty appointment in 2004, which has included a period serving as department chair,

but also his completion of a PhD here in 1999. As a participant in the University’s strategic

renewal, he is interested in identifying and fostering the University’s historic and emergent

strengths, while also developing a vision for the new roles the University can play in response to

rapidly evolving social needs.

Nancy Brown Andison BSc (Agr) '79, Board of Governors

Nancy Brown Andison is a member of the Board of Governors and Senate of

the University of Guelph. Nancy is a retired partner of

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and executive of IBM Canada. A graduate of the University of

Guelph (bachelor of science in agriculture) and Queen's University (MBA), Nancy is also a

graduate of the Chartered Directors Program at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster

University.

Through her career as leader of the Public Sector Consulting Business in Ontario for both PwC

and IBM, Nancy has developed a deep understanding of policy, strategy and operations in all

aspects of the public sector, including education. Nancy’s consulting experience includes work

in public policy, program design and delivery, business strategy and transformation, finance,

human resource management and information technology.

Nancy serves on the board of directors of Farm Radio International, an African Development

Charity; City of Peterborough Holdings Inc., an energy production and utility business;

Dancemakers, one of Canada’s oldest Contemporary Dance Companies; and the Royal

Agricultural Winter Fair.

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Catherine Carstairs Associate Professor, History, College of Arts

Catherine Carstairs is a history professor and chair of the Department of

History. She has published on the history of drug use and drug policy, doping in

sport, the history of disability, the history of public health, and the history of gender and

sexuality.

In addition to her work at the University of Guelph, Catherine has also served as chair of the

Canadian Committee on Women’s History, has been the Canadian Historical Association’s

representative to the International Congress of Historical Sciences and sits on the advisory

board of several journals in her field.

Brian Cowan External community

Brian Cowan is an active community leader who serves as chair of Innovation

Guelph, chair of the Waterloo-Wellington Community Care Access Centre, and

director with Guelph Hydro and Cutten Fields while also being an active Rotarian. He holds a

degree in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Wilfrid

Laurier University. In addition, Brian completed advanced training at Harvard Law School and

holds the Chartered Director designation from The Directors College, a joint venture of

McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada where he is also an active faculty

member.

Brian is retired from Teranet Inc. – one of Ontario’s most successful public-private partnerships

with government – where he was responsible for marketing, business development, program

development, communications and government relations over his 17-year career with the

company.

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John Cranfield BSc (Agr) '93, MSc '95, Professor, Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics,

Ontario Agricultural College

John Cranfield is a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and

Resource Economics. A faculty member at Guelph since 2001, he is also an alumnus of the

Ontario Agricultural College (1993 and 1995). His teaching and research focus on the economics

of food and agricultural markets, with particular attention to consumer demand issues.

John has held various governance roles at the University, including OAC representative to

Senate; undergraduate, and then graduate, co-ordinator in his department; and now

department chair. These experiences have provided John with a unique perspective to

understand the complex and varied needs of stakeholders at the University of Guelph.

Madeline DeCorso Undergraduate Student, Leadership and Organizational Management, College of

Business and Economics

Madeline is a third-year bachelor of commerce student majoring in leadership

and organizational management.

Born and raised in Guelph, Madeline comes from a family of Guelph alumni. She is involved

with the College of Business and Economics Students Association and is a member of the varsity

golf team. Madeline is passionate about the University and the community. She will use her

experiences as a current student to bring forth student voices and provide a unique perspective

on the Advisory Committee.

Ibrahim Deiab Associate Professor, School of Engineering, College of Physical and Engineering

Science

Prof. Ibrahim Deiab joined the School of Engineering in 2014. He has been

heavily involved in the department’s administrative affairs, curriculum development for both

graduate and undergraduate programs, and accreditation. He served in various academic

leadership roles, starting in 2007 with his appointment as the University research co-ordinator,

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where he restructured and streamlined the Office of Research operations, managed University

research services and chaired the faculty research grants and sabbatical committees. He also

served as the mechanical engineering department head.

Ibrahim earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from McMaster University in 2003 and

started his academic career at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in 2004. AUS was

established in 1998 based on the American model of education at Texas A&M. Being a member

of a new institution gave him a valuable and unique opportunity to be heavily involved in

various aspects of university business. He is a registered professional engineer in the province

of Ontario, a member of the American Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Cate Dewey DVM '79, MSc '88, PhD '92, Professor, Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary

College

Cate Dewey is a professor and chair of the Department of Population

Medicine. She has a long history with the University of Guelph, graduating from OVC with a

DVM, M.Sc. PhD. She worked in private veterinary practice in Ontario and began her faculty

career at the University of Nebraska before returning to U of G in 1995.

Cate has an active research program based on epidemiology that encompasses swine health

management, disease prevention and spread, zoonotic diseases, human health and global

public health. She uses mixed methods, including both qualitative and quantitative analyses to

delve deeply into the research question at hand and collaborates broadly with faculty across

campus. Cate has taught undergraduate, veterinary and graduate students in a variety of

courses, including epidemiology, animal health management and foodborne disease.

Diane Dobbins BASc '91, MA '08, Manager, Research and Partnerships, College of Business and

Economics

Diane Dobbins is a proud alumna and long-serving University employee who is

currently the manager of research and partnerships within the College of Business and

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Economics. She holds two degrees from Guelph: a B.A.Sc. ’91 and an MA (leadership) ’08. Since

joining the University in 1991, Diane has held a range of positions and served on a variety of

college- and University-wide committees, gaining extensive knowledge of academic- and

research-related matters as well as considerable insight into the collective role played in

advancing the University’s mission and goals.

In her current role, Diane interacts with graduate students, faculty, administrators, alumni,

government, funding agencies and other external partners with the primary goal of facilitating

and disseminating University research. Her personal achievements include the 2011 President’s

Exemplary Staff Award for Innovative Leadership Recognition; a CIHR knowledge mobilization

research grant; and presentations at national and international conferences on various aspects

of research facilitation.

Earl Ellis BA '89, Board of Governors

Earl Ellis is vice-president, financial reporting and analysis, for Canadian Tire’s

corporate division in Toronto. He joined the Board of Governors of the

University of Guelph in 2011 and serves on both its finance and pension committees.

Earl has notable expertise in strategic and financial planning acquired within the retail and

consumer packaged goods sectors. He has experience in both U.S. and Canadian markets with

reputable companies such as Campbell Soup Company, Kraft Canada and Coca-Cola Bottling.

This experience has allowed Earl considerable involvement with developing corporate

strategies, including the creation of mission statements, key strategic imperatives and

quantifiable frameworks to measure performance.

Earl graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in management economics and

subsequently attained his chartered accounting designation.

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Janice Folk-Dawson Senior Storekeeper, Physical Resources

Janice Folk-Dawson has been a member of the University of Guelph

community for the past 30 years and has served in various capacities. She is

currently the president of CUPE Local 1334, president of the Guelph and District Labour Council,

and is the chair of CUPE Ontario’s University Worker’s Coordinating Committee. Over the past

30 years, Janice has served on many University committees, ensuring that a worker’s

perspective and solutions are brought to the table.

Janice is committed to building a University community that meets the needs of all community

members and provides a high quality, publicly-funded and accessible education.

Stanley Gabriel BA Gen. '02, Sergeant, Campus Community Police

Stanley Gabriel came to the University of Guelph as a mature international

student in political science and earned a BA in 2002. Prior to that he served in

the Singapore Police Force, leaving at the rank of staff sergeant, Investigations Branch.

Stanley is currently working on his MA (leadership) degree, expecting to graduate in 2016, and

serves as a sergeant with the Campus Community Police. He brings to the table his knowledge

of the University from these academic and employee perspectives, recognizing the importance

of leadership and long-term planning and the roles of diversity, safety and security to the lives

of the campus community.

Brandon Gorman BComm. '06, University of Guelph Alumnus

Brandon Gorman graduated from the University of Guelph in 2006 with a

bachelor of commerce specializing in marketing and recently completed his

MBA at the Schulich School of Business, York University. During his time at the University of

Guelph, Brandon was elected as president of the Commerce Association and was on the

steering committee for the formation of the College of Business and Economics.

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Brandon's passion for business and finance took him to the Royal Bank at the age of 17 and he

has been with the bank ever since. He is currently a branch manager, managing one of RBC’s

largest branches in the Greater Toronto Area.

Brandon is currently the president of the Board of Directors for the University of Guelph Alumni

Association. He possesses strong skills in accounting, finance and strategy. He is a strategic

thinker that has the ability to look at the overall plan and provide holistic solutions.

Roslyn (Julia) Kilgour Graduate Student, Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science

Roslyn (Julia) Kilgour is a PhD candidate in the Department of Integrative

Biology, where she is researching the evolution of social behaviours, such as

aggression. She earned a master of science degree in biology from the University of Regina,

where she studied social behaviour in big brown bats, and received a bachelor of science from

the University of Toronto. Since beginning her research at the University of Guelph, she has

volunteered on the board at the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and

Diversity.

Along with her passion for social justice issues, Julia brings her experience in graduate studies in

the biological sciences to the advisory committee.

Tuuli Kukkonen Assistant Professor, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, College of Social and

Applied Human Sciences

Tuuli Kukkonen is a professor in the Department of Family Relations and

Applied Nutrition. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from McGill University and

joined the University of Guelph in 2010.

Tuuli is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation-

Funded Psychophysiology of Sexual Health Lab at the University. She has a strong background

in quantitative research methods, human sexuality and aging, and as a faculty member, she is

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eager to contribute to the University’s strategic renewal and to the conversations and themes

that will shape its future.

Bill Laidlaw BA '74, University of Guelph Alumnus

Bill Laidlaw is an experienced business executive with an extensive background

in both business and not-for-profit association management. He graduated

from the University of Guelph in 1974 and then completed graduate studies at Queen’s

University and the University of Toronto. He has been a very active alumnus since then,

volunteering with Athletics, the College of Business and Economics, and Alumni Affairs.

Bill’s particular strength lies in his knowledge of how governments work and how to influence

public policy by working with stakeholders to achieve positive financial outcomes. His

background in teaching, human resources, public affairs, fund development and general

management in a variety of industries, charities and business associations will be most helpful

in the strategic renewal process.

Jonathan Lippett Undergraduate Student, Political Science, College of Social and Applied Human

Sciences

Jonathan Lippett is an undergraduate student in the Department of Political

Science at the University of Guelph. He is currently completing his final year and intends on

pursuing graduate school in the field of alternative energy policy.

Jonathan will draw upon both his academic policy knowledge and his previous work with a

variety of environmental NGO’s to bring a tremendous sense of insight and enthusiasm to the

advisory committee. He regards institutions such as the University of Guelph as integral to

facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy and brings this outlook to the strategic

renewal process.

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Spencer McGregor Undergraduate Student, Organic Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College

Spencer McGregor is a first-year student enrolled in the bachelor of science in

agriculture with a specialization in organic agriculture. He is involved in

numerous volunteer activities throughout the University community.

Spencer represents the Ontario Agricultural College on the Central Student Association board of

directors, sits on the University Centre board to represent the student body at large and is an

active member of OPIRG at Guelph. He is dedicated to creating a healthy environment and

believes the University of Guelph has an important role to play in sustainable, environmentally-

conscious development.

Spencer brings an open-minded, student-orientated perspective and hopes to represent those

students whose voices are often not recognized.

Deanna McQuarrie Associate Registrar, Admission Services, Office of Registrarial Services

Deanna McQuarrie is the associate registrar, Admission Services, in the Office

of Registrarial Services and has worked at the University of Guelph since 2005.

With more than 17 years of experience in higher education administration in both Canada and

the United States, Deanna has led many university policy changes, several technological

implementations, and organizational improvement initiatives.

Having been a part of the strategic planning process at two other institutions, Deanna values

discovery and broad perspectives, and appreciates the importance of collaboration and

consensus.

Melissa Micu Undergraduate Student, History, College of Arts

Melissa Micu is a bachelor of arts student in the Department of History.

Currently in her third year of study, Melissa has participated in a semester

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abroad in France and has been involved in various extra-curricular groups during her time at

Guelph, including serving as a first generation student ambassador. She also has worked for the

University of Guelph as a research assistant in the Department of History and as a student

writer for the SPARK program in the Office of Research.

Drawing on her broad interests and academic experience across the arts, Melissa hopes to

combine the perspective of anarts student with her ability to both analyze and synthesize the

inputs provided to the advisory committee in developing the resulting themes for the

University’s strategic renewal.

Miana Plesca Associate Professor, Economics, College of Business and Economics

Miana Plesca is a professor in the Department of Economics, which she joined

in 2003, after receiving an undergraduate degree in engineering from Romania

and a PhD in economics from the University of Western Ontario. Miana is a labour economist

with particular research interests in the role of post-secondary education in the Canadian

economy and society: what determines access to education, who benefits the most from it, and

what are the implications for graduates’ career mobility, financial success and overall

productivity.

Until December 2015, Miana was also the interim associate dean, research and graduate

studies, in the College of Business and Economics. In this capacity, she came to know her

colleagues in other disciplines very well and developed a deeper understanding and

appreciation of the complexities involved in providing leading, world-class research and

education at the University of Guelph.

Kerry Ritchie BSc Hon. '04, PhD '10, Assistant Professor, Human Health and Nutritional

Sciences/Kinesiology, University of Guelph-Humber

Kerry Ritchie is a professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional

Sciences. She attended the University of Guelph for both her undergraduate and graduate

studies, receiving her PhD in the area of skeletal muscle metabolism in 2010.

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Kerry is very active at both the University of Guelph and the University of Guelph-Humber,

where she has been involved in curriculum planning and development of several new education

initiatives. Her current research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning, examining

strategies to optimize student learning and engagement with a focus on large classes.

Darren Robinson PhD '00, Associate Professor, Plant Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College,

Ridgetown Campus

Darren Robinson grew up in Winnipeg, Man. He received a B.Sc. (Honours) in

biology from the University of Winnipeg in 1992 and completed his M.Sc. in plant biology in

1995 at the University of Manitoba. From there, he moved on to the Department of Plant

Agriculture at the University of Guelph and in 2000, he received a PhD in weed science. Darren

worked for a short time at the Alberta Research Council as a research scientist until June 2001,

where he conducted weed management research in pulse crops, cereals and canola.

Later that year, Darren was hired as a professor by Ridgetown College to teach horticultural

weed management, turf management and ecology, and conduct weed management research in

vegetable crops. He became a member of the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University

of Guelph in 2004 and was promoted to associate professor in 2009, during which time he

developed a research program on integrated control strategies in conventional and reduced

tillage systems for vegetable crops.

Marcel Schlaf Professor, Chemistry, College of Physical and Engineering Sciences

Marcel Schlaf is a professor in the Department of Chemistry. In addition to his

lab team at Guelph, he also has international research collaborations in China,

where he was appointed as a Visiting Research Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical

Physics (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Brazil and with Los Alamos National Laboratory in the

United States. He is working on developing new catalysts and processes for the conversion of

biomass-derived molecules to sustainable chemicals and fuels.

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Marcel hopes to use his knowledge and insights into the mass and energy flows that underpin

and sustain our society and human existence to help integrate the ideas and visions emergent

from the University community into a strategic renewal plan that is both viable and exciting

from all perspectives: physical, social, economic, ecological, political and artistic.

Laurie Schnarr MA '06, Director, Student Life, Student Affairs

Laurie Schnarr is the director of Student Life in Student Affairs. She joined the

University in 1983 and has an MA (leadership) and is currently pursuing her

PhD at OISE, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on access to postsecondary education

for aboriginal learners. Laurie is the recipient of the R.P. Gilmor Student Life award, the Marilyn

Langlois Staff Recognition award and the President's Award for Exemplary Staff Service.

During her tenure at the University, Laurie has designed, overseen and assessed programs and

services that engage students in University life and local communities; promoted students’

acquisition of core competencies; supported students in applying their learning in real-world

contexts; and addressed barriers for students to full participation, particularly those who are

traditionally underrepresented in universities.

Shayan Sharif PhD '99, Professor, Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College

Shayan Sharif is a veterinarian who came to Guelph in 1993 for his PhD and

has been affiliated with the University of Guelph ever since. He is now a

professor of immunology at the Ontario Veterinary College. His research group seeks to

understand how microbes interact with their hosts and use this knowledge to develop better

ways to control the spread of infectious agents from animals to animals or from animals to

humans.

Shayan has served in various leadership roles at the University, including leader of the Poultry

Health Research Network; acting associate dean (research and innovation); and, more recently,

research program director for Emergency Management.

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Christina Smylitopoulos Assistant Professor, School of Fine Arts and Music, College of Arts

Christina Smylitopoulos is a professor of art history in the School of Fine Art

and Music. Before joining the University of Guelph, she was a postdoctoral

research associate at the Yale Center for British Art, a SSHRC Doctoral Fellow, and a Paul Mellon

Centre for Studies in British Art Junior Fellow. She has received research grants from, among

others, the Huntington Library, the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon (Library of

Congress), and the Houghton Library (Harvard University). She has an active research profile

with well-placed articles and book chapters, has recently edited a collection of essays, and is

completing a monograph that considers early 19th-century British graphic satire.

Christina is a University Senator and an award-winning teacher, fostering academic citizenship

within the College of Arts through community-building activities. She brings to the advisory

committee her professional experience from world-class institutions in other jurisdictions such

as the J. Paul Getty Trust, YCBA, McGill University and the University of British Columbia). As a

relatively new member of the University of Guelph community, Christina can speak to the ways

in which the University facilitates transition and provides community.

Ellen Song Undergraduate Student, Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of

Physical and Engineering Sciences

Ellen Song is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in biological

and pharmaceutical chemistry. Since her first year at Guelph, she has been involved in a

number of initiatives and organizations at the University. Ellen currently holds the position of

president of the College of Physical and Engineering Science Student Council, and is also an

elected B.Sc. representative on Senate. In these roles, she has had the opportunity to be part of

many committees, both college- and university-wide.

Ellen is also a dedicated peer helper with the English Language Programs, a tour guide with

Admission Services, and a band director for Curtain Call Productions.

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Mark Torcoletti BComm '05, Manager, Finance and Administration, Dean’s Office, College of

Physical and Engineering Sciences

Mark Torcoletti is currently the manager of finance and administration in the

College of Physical and Engineering Science and has worked at the University of Guelph since

2009 in various finance and management roles. Prior to this, Mark worked in accounting and

finance at a large publicly-traded manufacturing company.

Mark is a graduate of the University of Guelph’s bachelor of commerce program and is a

chartered professional accountant and a certified management accountant (CMA).

George van der Merwe Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science

George van der Merwe joined the University of Guelph in 2002 and is currently

a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). He is

an active researcher in the fields of yeast metabolism and molecular biology as it relates to the

fermentation process. His research has been in close collaboration with local research

institutions and industries, with the goal of driving innovation and developing yeast technology

for applications in alcoholic beverage production.

In addition to a strong commitment to teaching excellence, George has filled various leadership

roles within MCB and the College of Biological Science. He participated in and led several

strategic initiatives, including faculty and staff recruitments, undergraduate and graduate

program review and development, and departmental research infrastructure management

activities to align with the department’s vision. He brings a positive attitude and a collaborative

approach to the strategic renewal process.

Michael von Massow BSc (Agr) '86, MSc '92, Associate Professor, Hospitality, Food, and Tourism

Management, College of Business and Economics

Mike von Massow is a professor in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism

Management. He has been a faculty member for six years. Before completing his PhD, Mike

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worked in a variety of industry, strategic and leadership roles. His research focuses on pricing

strategy, consumer demand and food value chains. He teaches operations and strategic

management.

Mike is a proud graduate of U of G, earning a B.Sc. and M.Sc. While based in the College of

Business and Economics, he collaborated with researchers from across campus, including OAC,

OVC and CSAHS.

Meghan Wing Undergraduate Student, Biomedical Science, College of Biological Science

Meghan Wing is a fourth-year bachelor of science student majoring in

biomedical science. As a student leader, she has made it a priority throughout

her undergraduate degree to immerse herself in the university system through involvement on

various programming committees both at the departmental and college-wide levels. This has

included serving as the College of Biological Science Student Council president for two years in

a row.

Meghan has served on a variety of policy committees at U of G, providing her with extensive

knowledge of the University. In addition, she has experience with gathering qualitative

information as one of the facilitators of the B.Sc. At-large Internal/External Program review

during the 2014/15 academic year. In this role, she created a survey that generated significant

student response. She is committed to supporting strong student participation in the strategic

renewal process given its impact for the future of the University.

Marva Wisdom MA '07, External Community

Marva Wisdom is a highly respected facilitator, moderator and speaker. Locally

and internationally, she provides her clients with the tools and courage they

need to facilitate meaningful growth through leadership, effective engagement, diversity and

inclusivity. Her speaking engagements have taken her to Belize, Barbados, Jamaica, the United

States and seven Canadian provinces.

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Since 2010, Marva has been a consultant and active member of the lead partnership team for

the ground-breaking Black Experience Project (GTA). The research phase for the project is

nearing completion, and planning is underway for the third and final phase – post-study

dissemination and roll-out. Additionally, she recently completed a contract with Roots of

Empathy International as their director of development and stewardship.

Marva earned her master of arts in leadership from the University of Guelph and serves on the

College of Business and Economics’ advisory committee for the program.