January 26, 2001 For Immediate Release

Ballots are being sent out today for the election of the University of Northern British Columbia Chancellor. All Founding Convocation members, faculty, and graduates of the University are eligible to vote. The election for Chancellor features two candidates:

K. George Pedersen is the incumbent Chancellor of UNBC. Dr Pedersen's career in education has spanned nearly 50 years, and includes appointments as the Vice-President Academic of the University of Victoria and President of Simon Fraser University, The University of British Columbia, the University of Western Ontario, and Royal Roads University. He was also Interim President of UNBC between the appointments of Geoffrey Weller and Charles Jago. Since his retirement, he has been active in community work, and is the President of the Bill Reid Foundation. He is also an advisor to the Salzburg Seminar, providing assistance to eastern European and Russian universities.

Bruce Strachan is a Prince George City Councillor, radio talk show host and writer, and UNBC Founder. As a former BC Minister of Advanced Education, he was responsible for the University of Northern British Columbia Act and for establishing the University's initial capital budget. He is currently a Director for the BC Union of Municipalities, President of the BC Association of Former MLAs, and a member of the Prince George Cantata Singers. At the May 2000 Convocation Ceremony, he was recognized as a Friend of the University of Northern British Columbia.

The Chancellor of UNBC is an honorary, unpaid position. In addition to serving on the Board of Governors, the Chancellor confers degrees at Convocation and generally helps to increase the profile of the University. The Chancellor is elected for a three-year term. Founding UNBC Chancellor Iona Campagnolo served two terms as Chancellor and was followed by Dr Pedersen.

Those eligible to vote in the election have until February 23 to cast a ballot. The election results will likely be announced before the end of February.