Director's Welcome

A Message From The Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph. Our School is unique in Canada, bringing together programs in rural planning and development, capacity development and extension, landscape architecture, and rural studies. This multidisciplinary foundation allows us to address the complex challenges facing communities, environments, and economies in Canada and around the world.

At SEDRD, we are committed to combining academic excellence with community engagement. Our faculty, staff, and students work closely with partners locally and globally to create knowledge, develop solutions, and inspire innovation in support of more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive futures. Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, or collaborator, I invite you to explore our programs and discover how SEDRD is shaping the next generation of leaders in environmental design and rural development.

Welcome to our community.

Leith Deacon, PhD
Interim Director, SEDRD