Agoston, Ibolya Borbala
Order in Council- Board Member
Ibolya Agoston serves the northern communities as the Executive Director Professional Practice and Clinical Learning at Northern Health. Having lived in the northeast for over 20 years, Ibolya held various point of care and leadership roles at local and regional levels. Ibolya has also worked as a Social Worker at Essex County Council in the UK and Bethany Social Services in Romania. She is an engaged community member, having served on different boards and as a Volunteer for Victim Services with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Ibolya is a PhD in Nursing candidate, holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Trinity Western University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of West, and a Diploma in Health Sciences from Homerton College. Ibolya is a strong advocate for excellence and accessible education in the north and for the north. Her extensive experience in healthcare, regulatory practice and social services is invaluable in supporting UNBC’s mission to provide inclusive and equitable education.
Alexander, Amanda Maria
Order in Council- Board Member
Amanda Alexander is the Chief Health Equity and Operating Officer for YMCA BC. As such, she is responsible for Health, Fitness & Aquatics, Child Care, and Community Operations in over 60 communities across BC. Amanda is also responsible for ensuring that Health Equity is at the core of what the YMCA programs and practices are, working to reduce unfair, unjust health outcomes. Amanda brings a wealth of experience in leadership and community engagement, having previously served as a Sessional Instructor at the College of New Caledonia and as a Program Manager for the Elizabeth Fry Society.
Passionate about service and advocacy, Amanda has held key roles including Chair and Treasurer of the BC Society of Transition Houses. Amanda holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Her diverse background in social work, community leadership, and governance brings invaluable insights to the UNBC Board.
Callaghan, Dennis
Order in Council (Alumnus)- Board Member
Dennis Callaghan is an accomplished strategic leader with almost two decades of senior executive experience across multiple industries in Northern BC. As Chief Executive Officer of the ROGA Group, he oversees nine operating companies engaged in timber harvesting, infrastructure development, and utilities maintenance, with a workforce of over 300 people. Prior to his current role, Dennis was Chief Financial Officer of the Northern Development Initiative Trust, stewarding a $200 million investment portfolio and managing high impact provincial and federal economic development programs. His tenure was marked by financial innovation and increased stakeholder confidence.
Dennis holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA). He remains passionate about supporting the sustainable growth and prosperity of Northern communities.
Henley, Joyce
Employee (Non-Faculty)- Board Member
Joyce is a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong history of service and advocacy in both her workplace and union communities. She currently serves as a Counsellor at the UNBC Wellness Centre where she primarily supports Indigenous, Black and Racialized students. Having been a committed employee at UNBC since 2002, she has worked in a variety of roles, started as a Student Research Assistant and became a CUPE member in 2007. She has held a number of roles at UNBC including Student Recruitment Officer, Student Advisor, Enrolment Officer and several administrative assistant positions. Her diverse experience across student services and administration has given her a comprehensive understanding of institutional operations and the needs of students and staff alike. In addition to her professional work, Joyce is actively involved in union leadership and advocacy. She has been an elected member of the CUPE 3799 Executive for a number of years and has held positions within the local such as Shop Steward, Recording Secretary, Chief Shop Steward, Trustee and is currently in her third term as President. She has also represented the local on a number of committees within UNBC, such as the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee as well as a number of executive hiring and advisory committees.
As a CUPE member she served on the CUPE BC Workers of Colour (now Racialized Workers) Committee for 6 years and currently sits on the CUPE BC Universities Committee as well as the Women and Gender Rights Committee. She has been appointed as a CUPE National Trial Panelist and has completed countless hours of training and education with CUPE in the areas of labour relations, human rights, mental health and she has twice been asked to speak before the BC Government's Standing Committee on Budget and Finance. Joyce's work experience and union involvement reflects her deep commitment to equity, justice, fairness and the well-being of all workers. Joyce holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (2006) and is a Registered Social Worker.
Martin, James Wright
Order in Council (Vice Chair)-Board Member
Jim Martin recently retired as Chief Administrative Officer for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District, where he oversaw governance, policy development, and senior management of various local government services with an annual operating budget of approximately $45 million.
Jim has held multiple roles at the Regional District, including General Manager of Environmental Services and Manager of Operations. He has also served on various boards, including his most recent role as a Director for the BC Games Society, where he was Chair of the Finance Committee.
His extensive experience in local government management and Board Governance, along with his community involvement, including participation on the 2025 BC Special Olympics Summer Provincial Games Organizing Committee and as Vice Chair of the Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society, makes him a valuable asset to the UNBC Board.
McIntosh, Darlene
Chancellor- Board Member
Darlene McIntosh is an Elder from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, deeply committed to sharing Indigenous teachings, culture, and community values. A proud member of the Grouse Clan, Darlene is the daughter of Mary Quaw and Peter Zatorski and the granddaughter of Elsie George and Augusta Quaw.
Family is at the heart of Darlene's life. She has been married to Neil McIntosh for 53 years, and they are the proud parents of Blake and Kyle, as well as grandparents to Jake, Konnor and Kade.
As Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Darlene plays a vital role in guiding the university with wisdom and a focus on balance and harmony, drawing from the teachings of The Medicine Wheel. In this position, she supports the university’s commitment to Indigenous education and works to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are integrated into academic and community life. Darlene’s leadership in this role reflects her deep connection to her cultural roots and her dedication to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all students and staff.
Darlene’s role extends to being Elder advisor to UNBC’S NCCIH and also is on the HSO, (Health Safety organization) Cultural Safety and Humility Technical committee.
In her work as an Elder and Ambassador for Lheidli T’enneh, Darlene leads Traditional Welcomes and Opening Prayers at ceremonies, offering spiritual guidance to students and faculty. She also serves as the Cultural Advisor at the Aboriginal Resource Centre at the College of New Caledonia (CNC), where she supports students, advises faculty, and provides spiritual mentorship to the broader community.
Darlene’s teachings on Indigenous culture, truth, and reconciliation have made a lasting impact. Her work, which is rooted in her spiritual beliefs, has been featured in several publications, where her insights continue to inspire a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions and spirituality.
McKay, Joel Christian
Order in Council (Chair)- Board Member
Joel Christian McKay is the City Manager of Quesnel and the previous Chief Executive Officer of Northern Development Initiative Trust. With a wealth of experience in communications and community development, Mr. McKay previously served as Director of Communications for Northern Development Initiative Trust and as an Assignment Editor for Business in Vancouver Media Group.
A dedicated community leader, Joel has served on the board for Destination British Columbia as a Director and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and his term ended in 2023. He also held the position of Chair for Media Relations during the 2015 Canada Winter Games, showcasing his leadership in major events. Joel holds a Bachelor of Applied Journalism from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), equipping him with the skills to blend effective communication with strategic oversight. As Board Chair at UNBC, Joel brings a strong background in governance, finance, and community engagement, contributing his expertise to the advancement of the university’s mission and vision.
Morrison, Trevor
Order in Council-Board Member
Trevor Morrison is a proud member of the Gitxsan Nation in Northern British Columbia, with over 30 years of experience in financial and administrative management within the Gitxsan community. He has further expanded his expertise in business management through education at Harvard Business School and by earning his Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) designation, alongside pursuing his MBA at Cape Breton University.
Trevor has held several key positions, including CEO of Lake Babine Nation and CEO of Kyah Development Corporation (Witset First Nation). He has also served on numerous boards, including as Vice President of the Aboriginal Financial Officers of BC and Director for the BC First Nation Gaming Revenue Sharing GP. Trevor's deep-rooted traditional knowledge and values help shape and advance initiatives that benefit First Nation communities, particularly in business development and governance.
Mullins, Philip
Faculty Member-Board Member
Phil is an Associate Professor in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Faculty of Environment, hired at UNBC in 2009. He supervises and teaches graduate students in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program; his research focuses on socio-ecological relationships involved in the landscapes and activities of outdoor recreation. He completed undergraduate degrees (Geography & Outdoor Recreation) at Lakehead University, as well as MA and PhD at University of Alberta. Phil has extensive professional experience with planning and running international field schools. He has served on various UNBC committees including Curriculum Committees, Academic Search Committees, both CSAM and CASHS College Councils, College Promotion and Tenure Committees (CSAM & CASHS), the UNBC Research Space Advisory Committee, as well as UNBC’s Academic Action Plan working group for student experience and pedagogy, and the UNBC Academic Action Plan Steering Committee. He has extensive experience with committees at the program, department, faculty, and university level. He has been involved with university planning in the past and have a passion to ensure that our institution thrives in support of our students, academic programs, and research, as well as its benefit to Northern BC and beyond.
Owen, Bill
Interim President and Vice Chancellor
Dr. Bill Owen is the Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia.
Since joining UNBC in 2002 as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology, Dr. Owen has held a wide range of progressive academic leadership roles. These include Vice-Provost Faculty Relations, Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences, Vice-Provost Student Engagement, and most recently Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic. In each of these positions, he has worked closely with faculty, staff, students and community partners to advance the University’s mission while fostering a collaborative and dynamic academic environment.
As a professor, Dr. Owen has taught extensively, offering courses from foundational statistics to advanced seminars in cognition and psycholinguistics. His teaching excellence has been recognized with awards, and he continues to contribute through guest lectures. His scholarly background centers on visual word recognition, psycholinguistics and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
Dr. Owen has a Bachelor of Science from Augustana University College and a Master of Arts and PhD from the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Owen conducts research in basic reading and cognitive processes. He also engages in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Reed, Jacqueline
Order in Council (Alumna)- Board Member
Jacqueline is a resident of Vanderhoof, B.C. with roots in Barrhead, Alberta (paternal) and Red Pheasant Cree Nation – Treaty 6 (maternal).Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (University of Northern British Columbia (BC)) and a Juris Doctor (University of Saskatchewan). Since 2011, she has been an active member of the Law Society of BC and holds status as a practicing lawyer.
Jacqueline has operated as a sole practitioner, as an associate in a law firm and currently practices as a staff lawyer for the BC First Nations Justice Council. Throughout her legal career, she has successfully litigated in both the provincial and supreme courts in BC, attended numerous mediations and has assisted in resolving acrimonious family matters.
In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time with her two sons.
Roberts, Emily
Undergraduate Student- Board Member
Emily Roberts is a Business Commerce major at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), with minors in Economics and Human Geography. Originally from Texas, she is passionate about advocating for student interests and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
With a proven track record in leadership and public speaking, Emily has been actively involved in a variety of initiatives that support her values of transparency and student engagement. She has competed in national debates, served as Director of Charity in JDCW, and represented UNBC at Model United Nations conferences. As a proud member of the Alpha Pi Beta Sorority, Emily has further honed her commitment to community building and advocacy.
Emily’s vision for UNBC includes increasing funding for student clubs, improving communication between the Board and students, and driving real, student-centered change. She believes in fostering an environment where students not only succeed academically but thrive personally and professionally.
Empowered by purpose and fueled by a love for sweet treats, Emily is dedicated to being a leader who listens, speaks up, and delivers on promises. She is eager to bring her dedication, passion, and experience to the UNBC Board of Governors to ensure that the student’s voice is always at the forefront of university decisions.
Shehata, Lina
Graduate Student-Board Member
Lina Shehata is a Master of Applied Science in Engineering student at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), with a strong commitment to advancing the graduate student experience. Through her research on Pavement Management for the City of Prince George, she has gained practical insights into the intersection of engineering, community, and research.
Lina is deeply involved in campus life, having served as the Food Bank Manager at the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS), Graphic Designer for various student groups, and a dedicated volunteer with Active Minds, where she works to promote mental health awareness and support.
Her passion for advocacy, inclusivity, and community-building drives her candidacy for the Graduate Student Member position on the UNBC Board of Governors. Lina will advocate for better resources for graduate students, including enhanced mental health services and increased research funding. She is committed to promoting inclusivity for international and underrepresented students and pushing for sustainability initiatives that will help connect the university more closely with the broader community.
Lina believes in a collaborative, supportive, and engaged campus environment and will work tirelessly to ensure that graduate students have a strong voice in shaping the future of UNBC.
Stewart, Gregory Allen Myles
Order in Council-Board Member
A Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of British Columbia, Greg began his career working at Teck Cominco’s metallurgical facility in Trail, British Columbia. After completing an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in 2005, Greg returned to Prince George, BC to work for the family business, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. Greg spent his first three years leading Winton Homes, where he gained valuable experience in the retail and engineering side of the business. Greg was named Interim President of Sinclar Group Forest Products in January 2009, and President in October 2009.
Sinclar Group is an integrated forest products company founded in 1962 by Greg’s grandfather, Bob Stewart, in partnership with Ivan Andersen. The company continues to operate today by the same values upon which it was founded: leadership, family and community. Sinclar Group has grown to be a leading supplier of SPF stud lumber to North America and Japan through its Apollo, Lakeland and Nechako mills. Included in the group of companies is Premium Pellet, and other partnerships aimed at extracting the full value of the fibre processed.
In addition to his role at Sinclar, Greg serves as Chair of the Council of Forest Industries and Wood WORKS! BC provincial steering committee, a Governor at the University of Northern British Columbia, a Director on the Board of the BC Lumber Trade Council, and Past Chair for BC Wood. Greg lives with his wife and two daughters in Prince George, British Columbia.
Whitcombe, Todd
Faculty Member- Board Member
Dr. Todd Whitcombe is presently the Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. He has served on the Senate, the Senate Committee on Academic Affairs, the University Promotion and Tenure Committee, and Chair for both the Senate Committee on the University Budget and Senate Committee on Academic Appeals. He has also been a past member of the Board of Governors (2002-2005) and Vice-President of the Faculty Association (1995-2000). He is an active member of the Prince George community, serving on a number of Boards and creating a variety of camps and programs. Having spent 9 years as the Chair of the Senate Committee on the University Budget, he has the expertise to bring to bear on financial issues. He can ensure issues raised by faculty are heard by the Board of Governors.