A former UNBC professor who has dedicated his academic career to making
peoples’ lives better has been elected to be UNBC’s next Chancellor.
Alex Michalos will be installed as Chancellor during the May 25th
Convocation ceremony, replacing Peter Bentley, who has served as
Chancellor since 2004.
Dr. Michalos has been a prolific academic during his career, writing 22
books, authoring more than 90 articles, and founding or co-founding six
academic journals. His work on measuring peoples’ quality of life has
been groundbreaking, and he has been invited by governments and
institutions around the world to lead presentations on how to improve
the quality of life of all citizens. His work has been recognized by
numerous organizations, including the Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada, which named Dr. Michalos as the recipient
of its highest honour for research achievement in 2004.
“I am truly humbled to have been elected as Chancellor, and I
particularly want to commend Peter Bentley for his incredible service
to UNBC since the University’s earliest days,” says Dr. Michalos. “I am
looking forward to working with everyone to realize a bright future for
this great university.”
“Today is a day of welcoming Alex while giving heartfelt thanks to
Peter Bentley for his unwavering service to UNBC,” says UNBC President
Don Cozzetto. “It is not exaggeration to say that UNBC would not be
where it is today without Peter’s support and commitment. He has been a
true friend of the University and of mine, and he will continue to be.
UNBC is entering an exciting phase of its development and Alex’s
knowledge of UNBC and its strengths will be of tremendous value.”
The Universities Act of British Columbia requires that universities
conduct a vote for Chancellor every three years. Those eligible to vote
include alumni, faculty, members of the UNBC Senate (the academic
governing body), and some founders. Peter Bentley will remain as UNBC
Chancellor until May.
Iona Campagnolo and George Pedersen have also served as Chancellors of UNBC.
Contact:
Alex Michalos, Professor Emeritus and Chancellor-elect, UNBC – 250.962.8719
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
