UNBC is starting its search for a new chancellor and is likely hoping the new pick won’t be as controversial as the outgoing chancellor.
Former Conservative cabinet minister and now often a Conservative pundit on CBC James Moore was named to a three-year chancellor term in 2015. His appointment set off a storm of controversy as many inside, and outside, the institution felt that Moore shouldn’t be named chancellor because he was a cabinet minister in the Stephen Harper government, which moved to stifle scientists across the country.
His term will come to an end in May, 2019 and UNBC president and vice-chancellor Dr. Daniel Weeks says Moore did a good job as chancellor.
“I thank James for his outstanding service as UNBC’s Chancellor,” said Weeks, in a news release. “He served in his role in exemplary fashion; whether it was speaking with high school and prospective UNBC students, taking on a leading role in all convocation ceremonies, celebrations and related events across the North, or supporting the University’s philanthropic goals, James has helped advance the University in many ways, and I know he will continue to be a champion of UNBC.”
As the ceremonial head of UNBC, the chancellor is a full participating voting member of the university’s Board of Governors, Senate and several subcommittees and confers all the degrees granted by the institution. The chancellor is a non-remunerated, volunteer position.
The Office of the University Secretariat oversees the work of a joint nominating committee comprised of representatives from the Alumni Council, the Senate and the Board of Governors. The committee seeks and reviews nominations of accomplished, distinguished individuals with a strong record of public service, who understand and reflect the institution’s vision, mission and values, and who are comfortable with formal speaking roles and participating in various ceremonies.
The joint nominating committee will make recommendations to the Alumni Council, which will formally nominate a candidate for consideration by the Board after consultation with the Senate. This process has been enhanced since the last search to allow even greater community consultation and engagement.
The University plans to identify a successful candidate by early 2019; that individual will be installed at the Convocation Ceremony at the Prince George campus in May 2019.
The Hon. Iona Campagnolo was named UNBC’s founding Chancellor in 1992. Dr. K. George Pedersen, Dr. Peter Bentley, Dr. Alex Michalos and Dr. John S. MacDonald have also held the position.
Nomination forms and further information on the role, and expectations of the chancellor position will be made available on the university’s website in the coming weeks.
