Prince George, B.C. - Canada West has announced University of Northern British Columbia President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Geoff Payne has been elected to serve as the conference's presidential representative on the U SPORTS Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning in June 2025.

Dr. Payne was elected by a peer group consisting of presidents from across Canada West's 17 member institutions. He will take over the role from Dr. David Docherty, President and Vice-Chancellor at Brandon University, who recently completed his two-year term.

Dr. Payne has been a staunch supporter of the UNBC Timberwolves since joining the university as a faculty member in 2004. Dr. Payne seldom misses a home game and has also caught his fair share of road games in recent seasons as well. He became UNBC's Interim President in February 2020 and was named President in April 2022.

"UNBC is proud to be part of the U SPORTS community, and I’m honoured to take on this role as a representative for Canada West," says Dr. Payne. "Our athletes, coaches, and staff demonstrate that excellence isn’t limited by size or location. It’s driven by passion, commitment, and opportunity. Representing northern British Columbia at the national level is a responsibility I take seriously, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to strengthen the future of university sport together."

The U SPORTS Board of Directors is comprised of nine members, including one presidential representative from each U SPORTS member conference. The Board of Directors maintains authority over and responsibility for the systems and structures employed by U SPORTS to direct and manage its general operations. 

Canada West would also like to extend its appreciation to Dr. David Docherty for the time and commitment he has given to U SPORTS and Canada West over the past two seasons.

"We sincerely thank Dr. Docherty for his thoughtful leadership and dedicated service on the U SPORTS Board of Directors," said Rocky Olfert, Managing Director of Canada West. "We look forward to working with Dr. Payne, whose experience and insight make him well-equipped to advance the priorities of student-athletes across the country."