PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - Lee Ongman, Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Northern British Columbia, reported today that Dr. Daniel Weeks has announced his decision to end his second term as President earlier than anticipated.

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

Dr. Weeks will transition to a research leave, as is normal in the post-secondary sector. He will also serve in an advisory capacity to support the transition to a new President and looks forward to returning to his teaching and research program through a faculty role.

The Board Chair thanked Dr. Weeks for his service.

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

“Under Dan’s leadership, we’re seeing more support from our donors and champions. We’ve introduced new programming, built new facilities and he has initiated a number of ongoing land development opportunities that will support the University’s mission moving forward,” added Ongman. “Dan has demonstrated passion, integrity, and commitment to improving access to education in northern British Columbia and I thank him for all he’s done.”

Ongman also announced that the Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Geoffrey Payne as Interim President. Dr. Payne became the acting President when Dr. Weeks took a medical leave earlier this year, and will now remain as Interim President. The Board will form a Selection Committee that will begin the process of considering the best candidate for UNBC’s next President.

Dr. Weeks joined UNBC in July 2014 and was re-appointed for a second term in August 2018. He came to Prince George from the University of Lethbridge, where he was the Vice-President Research. Prior to that, he served in numerous academic roles over 16 years at Simon Fraser University, including Chair of the Department of Psychology, Founding Member of the Institute for Health Research and Education, and the Graduate Program Chair of the School of Kinesiology. Dr. Weeks has also held visiting academic positions at McMaster University, and Purdue and Auburn Universities in the United States.

Past UNBC 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), and Mark Dale (interim, 2014).

-30-