WEEKS ENDS UNBC TERM

University of Northern B.C. president Daniel Weeks has wrapped up his second term sooner than anticipated.

Georffrey Payne, who was the board of governors appointed interim president when Weeks took a medical leave earlier this yea,r will remain in the position.

The board will soon form a selection committee to find a new president.

“I know 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. “I am proud of the many positive things we accomplished over the past six years, and I wish continued success for the university.”

Weeks will return to teaching and research programs as a faculty member and will then help the new president transition into the position.

“Dan had an extraordinarily positive impact during his time as President,” Lee Ongman, board chair, said. “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.”

Weeks became UNBC president in July 2014 and was reappointed for a second term in August 2018.