Iwama To Leave UNBC
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 @ 10:19 AM
Prince George, B.C. – Dr. George Iwama has announced he is not going to seek a second 5 year term as President of UNBC.“The love I have developed for this community made the decision not to accept a second term a very difficult one,” said Dr. Iwama. “I feel a strong calling to spend more time with family and to return to my other loves: science and research.”
Dr. Iwama’s contract runs through June 2014 and includes provision for a one-year paid research leave, which is provided to academics who undertake administrative terms.
UNBC’s Board will now form a selection committee to find a replacement.
“I am still in awe of what has been created here and I feel privileged to have contributed to the development of this fantastic university,” says Dr. Iwama. “This is the best job I have ever had, but with the community preparing to celebrate many milestones and events in 2015, including the University’s 25th anniversary, now is a good time to pass the torch to a new leader.”
After reviewing the President’s performance leading into the final year of his first term, the Board provided Dr. Iwama with an offer to renew for a second term.
“George has played a key role in UNBC’s development and the Board is very appreciative of his contributions,” said Board Chair John Turner. “His demonstrated leadership, passion, integrity, and commitment to improving education in Northern British Columbia inspires all of us.”
Comments
Such a loss. He and his wife Marilyn will be missed. They are both classy people.
I have never heard a single negative thing about him by anyone from UNBC or elsewhere in the community. He will be a tough act to follow.
“I have never heard a single negative thing about him by anyone from UNBC or elsewhere in the community. He will be a tough act to follow.”
ditto – although our resident UNBC hater will probably be on here spewing garbage shortly
Good luck in your future endeavors Dr. Iwama!
A gentleman and a scholar.
The pursuit of learning is a most pleasurable endeavour and I am happy for him that he will be able to spend more time on that once more.
You mean in science gus, I am sure being president of UNBC had it’s fair share of learning for Mr. Iwama. He will be a tough act to follow.
hear hear … total support for the positive comments above regarding Dr. Iwama …
Good luck in future endeavors but how come the grass at the uni is in such bad shape?
I agree with everyone above. A true class act. We need more people like Dr. Iwama in this City.
Have to give him credit for sticking it out for five years. The previous President only lasted two years.
He now moves on to biggar and better things. Seems very few people who get these big time jobs stay in Prince George once the job is finished.
Hopefully the new president will align UNBC with some more programs with what is actually going on in the north. Geology and engineering programs that aren’t focused on forest science would be a great start.
To be fair, I don’t think that Iwama was in a position to change the alignment of UNBC’s programs. He came in at a time of declining enrolment and financial restraint, and even in flusher times a new president has to feel his way and establish credibility before making such changes unless he is explicitly brought in with such a mandate. My guess is that he has done as well as anyone could in the circumstances.
Iwama and his wife Marilyn have been great ambassadors for UNBC and the City of Prince George. I sure hope they stay here. If they decide to move elsewhere and devote more time to their love of academics, research and science then I completely understand and I wish them both all the best in health and happiness in their future endeavours. Thank you both for your contributions to UNBC and to the betterment of our community.
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