Prince George, B.C. – University of Northern British Columbia President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Geoff Payne is taking on a new leadership role as President and CEO with Michael Smith Health Research BC and will be stepping down from his position at UNBC.

While Payne’s collaborative and inclusive leadership style will serve him well in his new position, it has also helped to shape a strong and resilient leadership team at UNBC, well-positioned to continue advancing the University’s priorities during this transition.

“On behalf of UNBC’s students, faculty, staff and the Board of Governors, I want to thank Geoff for his leadership and lasting contributions to the University community,” said UNBC Board of Governors Chair Joel McKay. “He led the University through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and into a period of renewed stability and focus. His student-first approach and dedication to building diverse, empowered teams will ensure UNBC remains focused on delivering outstanding student experiences, advancing research and deepening our engagement with communities.”

Payne was named UNBC’s sixth President in April 2022, after being appointed on an interim basis in 2020. He was reappointed last July.

During his tenure, the University made significant advances in a number of key areas, including: building academic and research excellence; meaningful action on Truth and Reconciliation; budget process improvements; and the development and release of a renewed strategic vision, Ready.

Joining the University community as a founding faculty member of the UBC Northern Medical Program (NMP) at UNBC in 2004, Payne went on to serve in a number of leadership roles including Vice-President Research, the inaugural Assistant Dean for Education and Research with the NMP and as the founding Director of UNBC’s Health Research Institute.

“We’re announcing this transition early, which gives the board the time to plan deliberately and ensure continuity,” McKay said. “The University has a dedicated leadership team – momentum is strong, and we will continue to build on our successes and advance UNBC’s mission to serve northern British Columbia and beyond.”

The Board is committed to a transparent and deliberate search process for UNBC’s next President and Vice-Chancellor and will be seeking a leader who shares the University community’s vision. 

“It has been an honour to serve as President of UNBC,” said Payne. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside inspiring students, faculty, staff and community partners who are deeply committed to, and passionate about, education in the North, for the North.”

Past UNBC presidents include Geoffrey R. Weller (1990-1995), K. George Pedersen (interim - 1995), Charles J. Jago (1995-2006, and interim from 2008-09), Donald Cozzetto (2006-2008), George Iwama (2009-2013), Mark Dale (interim, 2014), and Daniel J. Weeks (2014-2020).