A former UNBC professor who has dedicated his academic career to making peoples’ lives better has been elected to be UNBC’s next Chancellor. Alex Michalos will be installed as Chancellor during the May 25th Convocation ceremony, replacing Peter Bentley, who has served as Chancellor since 2004.

Dr. Michalos has been a prolific academic during his career, writing 22 books, authoring more than 90 articles, and founding or co-founding six academic journals. His work on measuring peoples’ quality of life has been groundbreaking, and he has been invited by governments and institutions around the world to lead presentations on how to improve the quality of life of all citizens. His work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, which named Dr. Michalos as the recipient of its highest honour for research achievement in 2004.

“I am truly humbled to have been elected as Chancellor, and I particularly want to commend Peter Bentley for his incredible service to UNBC since the University’s earliest days,” says Dr. Michalos. “I am looking forward to working with everyone to realize a bright future for this great university.”

“Today is a day of welcoming Alex while giving heartfelt thanks to Peter Bentley for his unwavering service to UNBC,” says UNBC President Don Cozzetto. “It is not exaggeration to say that UNBC would not be where it is today without Peter’s support and commitment. He has been a true friend of the University and of mine, and he will continue to be. UNBC is entering an exciting phase of its development and Alex’s knowledge of UNBC and its strengths will be of tremendous value.”

The Universities Act of British Columbia requires that universities conduct a vote for Chancellor every three years. Those eligible to vote include alumni, faculty, members of the UNBC Senate (the academic governing body), and some founders. Peter Bentley will remain as UNBC Chancellor until May.

Iona Campagnolo and George Pedersen have also served as Chancellors of UNBC.

Contact:
Alex Michalos, Professor Emeritus and Chancellor-elect, UNBC – 250.962.8719
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
 

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