Dr. Ryan Gibson has been named the new Director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD), effective January 1, 2026.

Dr. Gibson joined SEDRD in 2016 as the Libro Professor in Regional Economic Development. His research focuses on community-engaged approaches to how rural communities sustain themselves in a changing economic landscape. He has recently provided expert testimony to the Senate of Canada, the Scottish Government, and the Government of Sweden on rural policy and infrastructure. He has also held leadership roles with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and currently chairs the Institute of Island Studies Advisory Board at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Congratulations to Dr. Gibson on this new role.