The University of Northern British Columbia will begin a search for a new president after Dr. George Iwama announced this morning that he will not seek a second term. President Iwama was appointed to a five-year term in 2009.

Media Download: UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. George Iwama.

“I am still in awe of what has been created here and I feel privileged to have contributed to the development of this fantastic university,” says Dr. Iwama. “This is the best job I have ever had, but with the community preparing to celebrate many milestones and events in 2015, including the University’s 25th anniversary, now is a good time to pass the torch to a new leader.”

Shortly after Dr. Iwama’s arrival, he compiled a University Plan that reaffirmed UNBC’s mission and purpose and outlined a number of goals for the future. Significant progress has been made toward realizing these goals during Dr. Iwama’s term:

• As Canada’s Green University, to be a leader in renewable energy
  UNBC’s bioenergy project shared an award with Harvard University as tops in North America for campus sustainability.
  The Bioenergy Plant has since become the first BC university building to achieve Platinum certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
• To engage all of our undergraduate students in research or experiential learning
  Two new programs have been created to support student involvement with research and develop new courses: The Undergraduate Research Experience awards for students and the Undergraduate Experiential and Service Learning Initiative funded by private donations.
• To enrich the learning experience through new pedagogical models
  A pilot program was created to initiate block-style teaching, which allows students to complete a course in a shorter, more intensive learning experience. A Foundation Year Curriculum Program sees cohorts of first-year students work together across a number of courses to enhance their transition to university.
  UNBC will offer two new graduate-level Engineering degrees in the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, currently under construction in downtown Prince George.
• To increase the impact of our research through enhancing capacity and building external linkages
  The annual Maclean’s Magazine university rankings issue recently returned UNBC to its highest-ever placement: second amongst primarily undergraduate universities, and number one in its category for research funding.
• To encourage a respectful, supportive, exciting and friendly environment throughout the University
  UNBC is now a member of Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the highest level of amateur athletics in the country.
  UNBC has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers two years in a row, and in 2012 was listed as one of B.C.’s Top 100 Employers.
• To transform our communities through the contributions of our alumni
  In 2013, UNBC celebrated passing the 10,000 all-time graduates mark. UNBC annually produces more graduates for the North than all other BC universities combined.

After reviewing the President’s performance leading into the final year of his first term, the Board provided Dr. Iwama with an offer to renew for a second term.

“The love I have developed for this community made the decision not to accept a second term a very difficult one,” said Dr. Iwama. “I feel a strong calling to spend more time with family and to return to my other loves: science and research.” Dr. Iwama’s contract runs through June 2014 and includes provision for a one-year paid research leave, which is provided to academics who undertake administrative terms.

UNBC’s Board will now form a selection committee and ensure an orderly transition to its next president.

“George has played a key role in UNBC’s development and the Board is very appreciative of his contributions,” said Board Chair John Turner. “His demonstrated leadership, passion, integrity, and commitment to improving education in Northern British Columbia inspires all of us.”

Dr. Iwama came to Prince George in 2009 from Ottawa, where he was Dean of Science at Carleton University. His career also includes academic and leadership positions at Acadia University, UBC, and the National Research Council.

Past UNBC presidents include Geoffrey R. Weller (1990-1995), K. George Pedersen (interim - 1995), Charles J. Jago (1995-2006, and interim from 2008-09), and Donald Cozzetto (2006-2008).