University of Windsor President Robert Gordon announces his retirement at the end of the academic year, following five years of leadership that advanced sustainability, international rankings, and community partnerships. (Photo by University of Windsor)
WINDSOR, Ont. — After more than five years of exemplary leadership and service to the University of Windsor, President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Gordon has indicated that he will retire from his role after this academic year. The Board of Governors was informed of Dr. Gordon’s decision recently to facilitate leadership transition planning, including the initiation of a presidential search process.
“Serving the University of Windsor community as President and Vice-Chancellor has been the greatest honour of my academic and administrative career,” said Dr. Gordon. “I’m extremely proud of our growth as an institution of higher learning during a period of unprecedented challenges.”
Dr. Gordon joined the University of Windsor in 2019 as its seventh President and Vice-Chancellor. He previously served as Provost and Vice-President Academic as well as Vice-President Research at Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, he held the position of Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Of his many awards and recognitions, he is a past recipient of the Premier’s Award of Excellence. Throughout his various leadership roles, Dr. Gordon has consistently maintained a robust research and student advising profile, publishing more than 180 refereed journal articles and supervising more than 60 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
Dr. Gordon was unanimously reappointed for a second term as President and Vice-Chancellor earlier this year. Regarding his intention to end his term early, Dr. Gordon said: “After thoughtful reflection and many important conversations, I have decided to retire after this academic year. I do plan on remaining actively involved in the University of Windsor’s administration and community during the next several months with a focus on moving forward a number of key priorities.”
Under Dr. Gordon’s leadership, the University achieved its highest-ever placements in prestigious international rankings and was identified earlier this year as the Canadian University that has risen the most in the QS World University Rankings over the past 5-years. He has made sustainability a key focus and priority for the institution, including launching a bold Carbon Neutrality Masterplan and has also effectively utilized public-private partnerships to assist the university in supporting enhanced student housing.
Dr. Gordon also led the development of the University’s first strategic plan (Aspire) in more than 15 years, installed a new executive leadership team, expanded the University’s downtown campus presence, opened the Toldo Lancer Centre, facilitated the transformation of the Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law building, expanded community and research partnerships, and helped to advance Indigenous and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives across campus.
“Dr. Gordon has been an exceptional President,” said Chair of the University of Windsor’s Board of Governors, Helga Reidel. “The University of Windsor and surrounding communities have benefited immensely from his strategic vision despite unprecedented challenges, change, and uncertainty.”
Reidel praised Dr. Gordon for his dedication to engaging with the campus community, noting his unwavering commitment to attend as many campus events and Lancer Athletics games as possible.
“Dr. Gordon’s vision and leadership has enabled the University to be recognized for academic and research excellence while enabling student success,” added Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad. “It has been an honour to support his vision.”
The search for the University of Windsor’s next President and Vice-Chancellor will begin in the near future and will be led by a committee of representatives from the Board of Governors and Senate, supported by the University Secretariat.