President Robert Gordon has announced the appointment of Marian Gayed as the University of Windsor’s next associate vice-president external, effective June 29. Reporting to the president, Gayed will oversee the departments of Alumni and Donor Communications, Advancement, and Public Affairs and Communications.

Gayed comes to the University of Windsor from Edmonton’s NorQuest College, where she most recently served as vice-president of external relations and partnerships. Between 2016 and 2020, she served as vice-president of business development for NorQuest. Previously, Gayed held various leadership positions at the University of Alberta, where she also obtained her MBA and bachelor’s degrees in commerce and psychology.

Taking over from Vincent Georgie, who has served in the role since November 2020, Gayed will enhance the University of Windsor’s commitment to meaningful and transformative community engagement. This will include overseeing strategic communications and public relations, providing oversight in supporting institutional marketing, working with the University leadership to grow collective advancement efforts, and supporting alumni initiatives.

Dr. Gordon says he is thrilled to welcome Gayed to the Windsor-Essex region and thanks Dr. Georgie for his years of dedication to the portfolio.

“Dr. Georgie has made strides in laying new foundations for external relations at the University of Windsor,” Gordon said. “I am confident Marian, as a proven leader in building strong university-community partnerships, will continue to expand on the University’s potential to generate local and global impact.”

Gayed says she is looking forward to her next chapter taking place in Windsor-Essex.

“I am pleased to join the University of Windsor community at such an exciting time of opportunity and engagement,” she said. “Under the leadership of President Gordon and in alignment with its inspiring new strategic plan, the University is well-positioned to empower positive change, build strong and sustainable relationships, and lead in the region as a solution provider. I look forward to making Windsor-Essex my new home and growing the University’s responsible footprint beyond its physical and virtual doors.”