New SEDRD Director Named
Prof. Sean Kelly has been appointed as the new director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) effective January 1, 2017.
“I cannot think of a more exciting time to undertake this leadership role for SEDRD,” shares Prof. Kelly. “This school has some of the most reputable programs in Canada and it’s anticipated that the next five years will bring some unprecedented changes with faculty, curriculum and facilities.”
“Working with our current faculty, staff, the College and the University community continues to be very rewarding for me and I am honoured with this new role, as we collectively embrace evolution within SEDRD,” he adds.
Prof. Kelly joined the SEDRD faculty in 2006. As a landscape architect and community planner he focuses on ‘physical design’ supporting community development, public health and leisure services for rural, remote, small destination and amenity communities.
“Sean is an excellent and dedicated teacher. I know he will show the same dedication to this new leadership role,” says Rene Van Acker, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College. “His professional skills and experience will also support his success in this position and, in turn, the success of SEDRD.”
Prof. Kelly received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) from the University of Guelph in 1989 followed by his M.Sc. in rural planning and development in 1995. Prior to officially joining the faculty he was a sessional instructor between 1998 and 2006. He has worked as a Landscape Architect and planner for over 25 years and holds full membership with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects and is an Associate Member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
He has supervised over 40 masters students and served as the BLA Program Coordinator since 2013. Throughout his career he has won many industry awards and honours. Sean recently received the University of Guelph Student Senate Caucus/Undergraduate Academic Award for the Contribution of Teaching in 2014 and the University of Guelph Faculty Association Distinguished Professor Award in 2010.