Photo courtesy UNBC

By CKPG Today

UNBC

UNBC Board elects former labour leader as chair

Jul 9, 2020 | 9:45 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Aaron Ekman has been elected the new Chair of the University of Northern British Columbia’s Board of Governors.

Ekman has been a provincially appointed representative on the Board since May 2018, and was re-appointed July 2019 for a two-year term.

Born in Terrace, Ekman has been heavily involved in B.C.’s labour movement. In 2009, Ekman was elected president of the Prince George & District Labour Council, and in 2011, became the founding president of the North Central Labour Council. In 2014, Ekman was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the British Columbia Federation of Labour, and served two terms.

“Though I’m hardly an academic,” says Ekman. “I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the herculean effort Northerners expended to establish UNBC, and for how vital it remains for the identity and for the advancement of Northern communities, many of which are now facing significant economic challenges. This university has attracted and developed world-class faculty and staff while remaining laser-focused on serving the diverse interests of Northerners. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, and honoured to play a roll confronting the challenges ahead.”

In addition to Ekman’s election, Andrew Robinson is now the vice-chair of the Board.

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The 15-member UNBC Board of Governors has oversight and responsibility for the management, administration and finances of the university.

The Board of Governors meets at least four times per year to conduct its general business; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2020.