Prince George, B.C. – Dr. Geoffrey Payne is Ready to build on the success and momentum of his first term as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia.

With an informed and inspired strategic plan, Ready, in place; enhanced community engagement both within the University and across the North; and an unwavering commitment to supporting students, faculty and staff find innovative ways to leading a sustainable future, Dr. Payne’s dynamic vision and collaborative approach over the past four years have set a strong foundation for his next term.

A founding faculty member of the UBC Northern Medical Program at UNBC when he joined the University community in 2004, Dr. Payne’s leadership journey as an academic, researcher and administrator reached critical juncture in February 2020 when he was appointed interim President during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this tumultuous time, he provided steady and reassuring leadership, guiding the University through uncharted territory.

“Under Geoff’s astute leadership, thoughtful guidance and commitment to fostering inclusive relationships, UNBC has entered a period of stability, transparency and open communications,” says UNBC Board of Governors Chair Joel McKay. “The University is well-positioned to drive forward initiatives and develop partnerships that will further enhance UNBC’s reputation for excellence as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities.”

This spring, UNBC’s Board of Governors struck a committee to review Dr. Payne’s performance and evaluate the potential for reappointment. The 12-member advisory committee was led by the Board Chair and included the Chancellor, additional Board members, faculty, a student member, Indigenous member and staff. The review process involved soliciting and receiving thoughtful input from across the University community that informed the reappointment decision. Dr. Payne’s new term will begin on June 28, 2025 and end June 27, 2030.

With a student-centred approach always at the forefront and a commitment to empowering diverse leadership across the institution, the University has made significant advances on key priorities during Dr. Payne’s first term:

• Building academic and research excellence – In addition to receiving funding from the Pacific Development Agency of Canada to establish the Environmental Solutions Innovation Hub, research funding continues to grow across all disciplines. UNBC continues to excel in the annual Maclean’s university rankings.
• Meaningful action on Truth and Reconciliation – The University continues to work closely with First Nations and Indigenous communities across northern B.C., including individual meetings with Chiefs and communities. The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation recently accepted a Respectful Acknowledgement pledge from UNBC presenting the University with 18 plaques to display in buildings at the Prince George campus. UNBC and the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute signed an extension in June to the longstanding federated agreement that sees the two institutions deliver academic programs as equal partners.
• Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives – The UNBC Accessibility Plan represents a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible academic environment.
• Improving employee relations – The President’s Office holds regular meetings with members of the Faculty Association Executive, CUPE 3799 Executive and CUPE 2278 Executive to foster respectful and supportive relationships focused on solutions. UNBC’s most recent collective agreements were the second fastest to be finalized in B.C.’s post-secondary sector.
• Guiding budget process improvements – With the President’s support and direction, the Executive team continues to develop a financial accountability and stewardship approach, along with identifying new areas of revenue generation.

Dr. Payne looks to build on these critical successes going forward, aligning the University’s priorities with the renewed strategic vision, Ready, for his second term and beyond.

“When we sought input from inside and outside the University community on your hopes for the future of UNBC, you told us we need to be ready. We are – we’re dedicated and passionate about providing student experiences that will ignite, inspire and lead change,” says Dr. Geoff Payne. “We will capitalize on opportunities and partnerships to leverage UNBC’s strengths and expand our academic and research reach, cultivating local solutions with global impact.”