John Cranfield, Dean of OAC

Dean Cranfield’s journey at U of G started as a student, having earned his MSc and BSc from U of G in agricultural economics. After obtaining his PhD from Purdue University, Cranfield briefly taught at the University of Manitoba before returning to Guelph in 2001 as a faculty member in OAC's Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE). Prior to becoming dean, Cranfield held senior roles including department chair, associate dean external relations and interim dean from 2023 to 2025.

Cranfield’s experience in OAC includes fundraising for and development of a new building for the Honey Bee Research Centre, leading development of the Foundations in Agricultural Management program in conjunction with RBC, and fundraising for key research chairs, scholarships, developing the M. K. Hutcheson Alumni Centre, and renovations to Johnston Hall.

Through these experiences, Cranfield has developed a people-first approach to leadership, recognizing that OAC’s greatest asset is its people. He is committed to listening and learning to help facilitate the College’s goals and drive growth. His focus will be to elevate OAC’s local strength, national leadership, and global impact.

Cranfield serves on a number of advocacy committees, including the Canadian representative on the North American Agricultural Advisors Network (NAAAN), a member of the Deans’ Council of Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Medicine, the Rural Ontario Institute Board of Directors and the Ontario Institute of Agrologists Board of Directors.