Timing of Weeks’ departure questioned; Payne excited for new opportunity

PRINCE GEORGE — Dr. Geoff Payne is the new acting president of UNBC following Dr. Daniel Weeks’ announcement Wednesday he will be on medical leave effective immediately. While Payne is ready for his new role, some say the timing of Weeks’ departure is suspect.

Since 2004, Dr. Geoff Payne has been an integral part of UNBC. From being the first faculty hired under the Northern Medical Program to becoming Vice-President, Research, Payne has become a leader at the school. However, his appointment as acting president comes following an email Wednesday sent from former president Weeks outlining his need for medical leave effective immediately. This announcement not long after much controversy at UNBC including the well-documented strike action and, more recently, the motion of a non-confidence vote. While some are taking the news in stride, others not so much.

Dr. Jonathan Swainger notes for the better part of UNBC’s history it has been tough sledding. He raised the question of is there strong enough leadership at the school to right the ship, improve worker relations, and making the university appealing to prospective students and faculty.

Guesswork is what many are calling the foreseeable future, as more questions than answers remain for many key issues at UNBC.