Welcome to the University of Northern British Columbia and thank you for visiting our website.
It is my pleasure and honour to greet you as UNBC’s fourth President.
I was drawn to UNBC by its commitment to excellence and its strong sense
of community. I admire all that has been accomplished in the 15 years
since it opened its doors on this stunning campus in Prince George. With
its comprehensive offering of academic and professional programs in a
small personal community, UNBC offers an unparalleled environment in
which to pursue your interests.
Students tell us that this is a special place. In our short life we have
risen to #3 in the Maclean’s ranking of primarily undergraduate
universities in Canada. For two years in a row, the National Post has
named us one of Canada’s “Research Universities of the Year.” UNBC is a
research-intensive university where you will be appreciated as an
individual. You will have many opportunities to get to know your
professors and instructors. We are here to share your successes and to
support you in your challenges.
We at UNBC also enjoy an incomparable natural setting, from the lakes
and forests near our homes to the splendid snow-capped mountains we see
from campus. My work experience in universities and governments across
this country has made it clear to me that UNBC is unique. Come and
explore with us. Come follow your passions—or discover them—and make
life-long friends at this extraordinary university.
George Iwama
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. George Iwama
Dr. George Iwama is a fish physiologist. His
scientific interests have focused on the stress response in fishes. Just
prior to joining the UNBC community, he was the Dean of the Faculty of
Science at Carleton University. He previously held the same position at
Acadia University, where he also served for a year as Vice-President
Academic. Dr. Iwama holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of
British Columbia. After postdoctoral fellowships he returned to UBC as a
professor and spent 15 years on faculty, during which time he received
numerous academic fellowships and awards for his research on fish
physiology, and his service to the field of aquaculture. He has
published more than 135 articles and edited two books. His research
included a project east of Prince George in the Torpy River. He has
experience in building university-industry-government-community
partnerships and was the driving force behind the creation of “science
cafes” in Ottawa and Nova Scotia in an effort to bring the excitement of
scientific innovation to the public.
Dr. Iwama is married to Marilyn and they have
three sons in their twenties. Marilyn and George enjoy cross-country
skiing, stand-up paddling and canoeing. He is also loves fishing and
enjoys painting, photography, and playing the guitar.
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