University President Gervan Fearon said Brock is strengthening its institutional capacity by filling the new position of Associate Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations. Gord Arbeau, who is currently Director of Communications at McMaster University, will take on the new role at Brock starting Dec. 2.

Fearon said that as Brock continues to build national prominence and a strong reputation around its community partnerships, Arbeau will work with colleagues to make gains in fundraising for scholarships and research initiatives, as well as building capacity to advance student academic and career success and enhance Brock’s role in regional development and economic growth.

The new AVP’s mandate will include integrating Brock’s departments of Development and Alumni Relations and University Marketing and Communications into a single unit to better meet the needs of the community and advance Brock’s strategic priorities.

“Gord Arbeau’s extensive experience within the Ontario university setting will allow him to support teams and colleagues across the University, as well as have him work directly with communities across the Niagara region, where he has lived for years,” said Fearon.

Arbeau has served in his current role since 2011. He first joined McMaster in 2005, leading the advancement team at the DeGroote School of Business. His volunteer service to higher education advancement includes serving as a global trustee at CASE — the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, based in Washington, D.C.  He is also chair of the Commission on Communications and Marketing.

He said Brock is a thriving institution that is central to the future success of the region.

“Brock has an outstanding roadmap in its new Institutional Strategic Plan, and our goal will be to advance that plan and ensure we do everything we can to help in its success,” said Arbeau. “Integrating these teams will help propel the University even further, and allow us to continue providing strong service to our academic leaders, researchers, students and the community.”