Office of the President

The University of Northern British Columbia is located on and serves diverse traditional territories that are home to numerous First Nations and other Indigenous communities.

The Prince George campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations. Our regional campuses are situated on the traditional territories of Dakelh and Tsilhqot’in people (South-Central), Dunne-Za people (Peace River-Liard campus) and Ts’msyen people (Northwest campus). We are also pleased to have a federated agreement with the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a Institute in the Nass Valley.

UNBC is a remarkable University with a proud 35-year history and an even brighter future. My own journey at UNBC began a s faculty member in 2002 within the Psychology program.  It was here where I first came to understand the transformative impact of this University on students, communities and the region. That experience shaped my path forward, and it remains at the heart of why I am so deeply committed to UNBC today.

Since joining the UNBC community as a faculty member and later taking on academic leadership roles, I have gained a profound appreciation for the importance of a University that is both of and for the North. At every step, I’ve seen the same spirit that makes this University extraordinary: the energy and passion of the students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the unwavering support of alumni, partners and communities across the North.

As Interim President, I am committed to building on this strong foundation and the vision of the 16,000 signatories who inspired the creation of UNBC. Our 2023 strategic plan, Ready, provides us with a roadmap to think differently, to listen carefully and to work together in finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing our region and our world.

The sign at the entrance to our Prince George campus continues to inspire and remind us that UNBC is Nizdeh Nekeyoh Hohudel’eh Baiyoh, Dakelh for House of Learning. UNBC is here for everyone who calls the North home and for those who are connected to our community in countless ways.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Interim President, and I look forward to continuing to learn from, work with and be inspired by all of you as we write the next chapter of UNBC’s story together. 

Dr. Bill Owen
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Northern British Columbia

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Presidential search

The search for a new President and Vice-Chancellor begins later this fall. A 21-person search committee is being formed and will include representatives from the Board of Governors, senior administrative and academic leaders, faculty, students, and staff.