There will be a new president at UNBC sooner than expected.
It has been announced that Dr. Daniel Weeks will be stepping down early from his second term in the role.
Weeks was originally chosen on July 29, 2014 as the fifth fully-elected president in school history.
“I know that the UNBC Timberwolf family is blessed with many talented people; our community must remain focused, with an eye towards moving this outstanding institution forward in the best interest of the communities we are honoured to serve,” Weeks said in a news release.
“I am proud of the many positive things we accomplished over the past six years, and I wish continued success for the University.”
Lee Ongman, Chair of UNBC's Board of Governors, announced the decision at a special board meeting earlier today (Feb. 21).
“Dan had an extraordinarily positive impact during his time as President,” said Ongman in the same statement.
“Our student enrolment numbers are improving, reversing a previously declining trend. We’ve strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities and taken meaningful steps along the path of Reconciliation. We’ve focused our academic, strategic and financial planning and diversified our community through revitalized internationalization efforts."
“Under Dan’s leadership, we’re seeing more support from our donors and champions. We’ve introduced new programming, built new facilities and he has initiated a number of ongoing land development opportunities that will support the University’s mission moving forward. Dan has demonstrated passion, integrity, and commitment to improving access to education in northern British Columbia and I thank him for all he’s done.”
The school says Weeks will move into a research leave, which they add is normal in the post-secondary sector.
He will also serve in an advisory capacity to support the transition to a new president and will return to his teaching and research program through a faculty role.
Dr. Geoffrey Payne has been announced as Interim President.
He became the acting President when Weeks took a medical leave.
The release adds the board will form a Selection Committee that will begin the process of considering the best candidate for UNBC’s next President.
