Dr. Geoff Payne took over as Interim President of the University of Northern B.C. (UNBC) in February prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
A little more than seven months later, his work in leading the Prince George post-secondary during the crisis has stood out to its Board of Governors.
Dr. Payne will officially remain in his position until Aug. 31, 2022, keeping his ‘Interim’ title after the board unanimously voted in favour of the two-year extension.
“I’m humbled by the Board’s vote of confidence in me,” he said in a release this morning (Oct. 1), noting he’s looking to fulfill the strategic direction of UNBC.
“I’m fully committed to helping create an environment that provides for an outstanding experience for our students, that supports our faculty in their teaching and research endeavours, and that continues to empower our staff to provide exceptional service to our mandate.”
Meanwhile, the Board of Governors continues its search for a full-time president.
Dr. Daniel Weeks served as the school’s fifth elected president since July 2014 before stepping down earlier this year after a non-confidence motion vote took place.
Board Chair Aaron Ekman says he’s confident in Dr. Payne’s leadership moving forward through COVID-19, touting him as a ‘talented individual.’
“Under his leadership we are seeing continued progress towards critical University initiatives such as academic re-structuring and ongoing enrolment growth. In addition, Geoff is taking on issues such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the labour relations climate, and focusing on building relationships across our community. Although we face challenges, we have many opportunities in front of us as well, and we are very confident in making this decision.”
Dr. Payne also serves as the Interim Chancellor of UNBC following the death of Dr. Joseph Gosnell in mid-August.
He holds a PhD in cardiovascular and renal physiology, a Masters in neuroscience and pharmacology and a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience.
