University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) interim president Geoff Payne is going to be settling into his role for longer than a normal interim.
The university board unanimously voted to extended Payne’s term for two more years.
“Under [Payne’s] leadership we are seeing continued progress towards critical University initiatives such as academic re-structuring and ongoing enrolment growth,” UNBC board of governors chair Aaron Ekman said in a news release. “Although we face challenges, we have many opportunities in front of us as well, and we are very confident in making this decision.”
Quesnel is home to UNBC’s south-central campus.
The release noted Payne’s extended term — which runs until Aug. 31, 2022 — will allow the university to better search for a permanent president during the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ MORE: UNBC opts for virtual convocation in June, commits to face-to-face after COVID-19
“I’m humbled by the board’s vote of confidence in me,” said Payne. “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.”
Payne took over for Daniel Weeks, who served as university president from 2014-2020.
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