The University of Northern British Columbia recently announced the appointment of John Turner as Chair of the University’s Board of Governors and Don Prior was confirmed as Vice-Chair. Both appointments are for a one year term, and went into effect on March 24, 2012.

“UNBC is an award-winning research-intensive university with an important role to play in the sustainable growth of communities in northern BC,” says Turner, who is manager of government relations for Spectra Energy, a natural gas-gathering, processing, and transmission company. “The provincial government is predicting a ‘northern decade’ with unprecedented growth in the areas of healthcare, natural sciences, and applied sciences, such as engineering and resource management. I'm excited by the opportunities this represents for UNBC and looking forward to working with all stakeholders over the coming year.”

Turner resides in Fort St John and served as the chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as chair of the United Way of Northern British Columbia and as founding chair of the Northern Opportunities Initiative. 

Don Prior was born in Kitimat, raised in Prince George, and now resides in Vancouver.  He is a partner with WATSON, and was previously a managing partner for the Vancouver office of The Caldwell Partners International.  Prior is an advisory board member for the World Wildlife Federation, Pacific Region, and a past director with Dress for Success and the Emily Carr Foundation.  He is also a former director of Outward Bound Canada and Leadership Vancouver, and a former panelist with the Directors’ College.

“I was delighted to be elected to take on the role of Vice-Chair of the UNBC Board. I've thoroughly enjoyed my last two years on the Board and look forward to continuing to contribute in a different capacity,” says Prior. “UNBC has established themselves as the pre-eminent establishment for teaching, discovery, and the environment in the North, nationally, and internationally. I am proud of my affiliation with such a world-class institution."

The UNBC Board of Governors also recently approved the re-appointment of Dr. Mark Dale as Vice-President Academic and Provost for an additional five years commencing July 1, 2012, and concluding June 30, 2017. “Dr. Dale has provided the University with exceptional service in his capacity of vice-president academic and provost for the past four years,” says UNBC president George Iwama.