Prince George, BC – For the first time in its history, the UNBC Board of Governors has a chair who is also a UNBC graduate.

Ryan Matheson has been a provincially appointed alumni representative on the Board of Governors for more than four years and has been vice-chair since 2013. He replaces outgoing board chair John Turner who has served in the position since 2012.

UNBC Board of Governors Chair Ryan Matheson. Download High-Resolution Image.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Resource-Based Tourism from UNBC in 1999, Matheson has forged a successful career in the hospitality industry. He is currently the Manager, Strategic Accounts for Hyatt Hotels Corporation at the company’s offices in Vancouver. He is also a Partner with Vancouver-based Matheson Resources.

“It is an honour to continue my involvement with UNBC and to become the first alumnus to be selected as the Chair of the Board of Governors,” says Matheson. “I am excited to be part of setting the direction of UNBC as we begin our next quarter century of delivering high-quality education.”

Matheson was the President of the Alumni Association of UNBC from 1999-2001 and served as an alumni representative on the UNBC Senate from 2000-02. He first attended UNBC as a student in 1994, the year that UNBC opened with full operations. He was also employed by UNBC as a student recruitment officer.

“Ryan will provide outstanding leadership to the board of governors as the University charts its course for the future,” says UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “As an alumnus, former UNBC employee, and successful entrepreneur, Ryan understands the important connection the University has with the region it serves.”

The 15-member UNBC Board of Governors is responsible for the financial oversight of the University. The board is composed of the UNBC Chancellor, the UNBC President, eight members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, and five elected by the University community (two students, two faculty, and one non-faculty).

The Board of Governors meets at least four times per year to conduct its general business; the next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12.

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