蹤獲扞⑹ President Dr. Geoff Payne to join Michael Smith Health Research BC, leaving 蹤獲扞⑹
From his arrival at 蹤獲扞⑹ as a founding faculty member of the Northern Medical Program in 2004 to becoming the University's sixth President, Payne's leadership at 蹤獲扞⑹ has been defined by a student-centred approach and commitment to academic and research excellence.
Prince George, B.C. University of Northern British Columbia President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Geoff Payne is taking on a new leadership role as President and CEO with and will be stepping down from his position at 蹤獲扞⑹.
While Paynes collaborative and inclusive leadership style will serve him well in his new position, it has also helped to shape a strong and resilient leadership team at 蹤獲扞⑹, well-positioned to continue advancing the Universitys priorities during this transition.
On behalf of 蹤獲扞⑹s students, faculty, staff and the Board of Governors, I want to thank Geoff for his leadership and lasting contributions to the University community, said 蹤獲扞⑹ Board of Governors Chair Joel McKay. He led the University through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and into a period of renewed stability and focus. His student-first approach and dedication to building diverse, empowered teams will ensure 蹤獲扞⑹ remains focused on delivering outstanding student experiences, advancing research and deepening our engagement with communities.
Payne was named 蹤獲扞⑹s sixth President in April 2022, after being appointed on an interim basis in 2020. He was reappointed last July.
During his tenure, the University made significant advances in a number of key areas, including: building academic and research excellence; meaningful action on Truth and Reconciliation; budget process improvements; and the development and release of a renewed strategic vision, Ready.
Joining the University community as a founding faculty member of the UBC Northern Medical Program (NMP) at 蹤獲扞⑹ in 2004, Payne went on to serve in a number of leadership roles including Vice-President Research, the inaugural Assistant Dean for Education and Research with the NMP and as the founding Director of 蹤獲扞⑹s Health Research Institute.
Were announcing this transition early, which gives the board the time to plan deliberately and ensure continuity, McKay said. The University has a dedicated leadership team momentum is strong, and we will continue to build on our successes and advance 蹤獲扞⑹s mission to serve northern British Columbia and beyond.
The Board is committed to a transparent and deliberate search process for 蹤獲扞⑹s next President and Vice-Chancellor and will be seeking a leader who shares the University communitys vision.
It has been an honour to serve as President of 蹤獲扞⑹, said Payne. Ive had the privilege of working alongside inspiring students, faculty, staff and community partners who are deeply committed to, and passionate about, education in the North, for the North.
Past 蹤獲扞⑹ presidents include Geoffrey R. Weller (1990-1995), K. George Pedersen (interim - 1995), Charles J. Jago (1995-2006, and interim from 2008-09), Donald Cozzetto (2006-2008), George Iwama (2009-2013), Mark Dale (interim, 2014), and Daniel J. Weeks (2014-2020).