UNBC Names New President

By 250 News

In announcing the next President of the university, the Chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Donald Rix says he's someone with "bold vision to take UNBC to the next level."

Dr. Don Cozzetto will take over as the university's 4th President on July 1, 2006, replacing Dr. Charles Jago, who will have served for 11-years by the completion of his term.

Dr. Cozzetto was most recently Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Northern State University in South Dakota, but has strong roots in B.C., growing up in Rossland, and extensive experience in the north.

Cozzetto says he's very excited to be taking over the helm, telling those in attendance at a news conference in UNBC's Bentley Centre, "You have accomplished so much in such a short period of time."

"You have built a wonderful university," he told outgoing President Jago, "I have big shoes to fill."

Cozzotto says he sees the obvious question at this time in UNBC's evolution as "where do we go from here?"  And he says he has four immediate answers:
1.  expanding the university's role in the area of athletics with the development of the Northern Sports Centre
2.  develop an academic plan for UNBC's next phase of growth
3.  strengthen ties with the region by investing in addititional multi-media technology
4.  further foster community relationships

Cozzotto will be working with university officials on a transition plan over the next few months and plans to arrive in the City with his wife, Pat, and son, Domenik, in late spring or early summer for his July 1st start date.

"It's like coming home for me, " says the newly-named President, "People in Prince George are very gracious, they love their university and they're committed."

To the right, Dr. Cozzotto is presented with a UNBC sweatshirt from Northern Undergraduate Student Society President, Colin Phillips. 

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