January 22, 2006 - 4:00pm
The search is underway for a new President of Malaspina University-College.
The executive search firm of Janet Wright and Associates (JWA) will assist the Board of Governors at Malaspina University-College in identifying a new President to replace President Rich Johnston, who retires January 2007.
"We’re pleased that we have been able to secure the expertise of Janet Wright and Associates," said Don Hubbard, Chair of the Board of Governors at Malaspina University-College. "JWA has extensive experience working with the post-secondary system in BC to recruit high calibre executives."
JWA worked with the University of Victoria to recruit their new President in 2000, and was successful in recruiting the President for the University of British Columbia in 1997. The firm also worked with Kwantlen University-College on the mainland and the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George to recruit senior executives.
According to Hubbard, five of Canada’s top search companies were considered by Malaspina. JWA was selected based on their reputation and expertise working with post-secondary institutions.
"With the assistance of JWA, the Board will solicit input from stakeholder groups on the challenges facing Malaspina in the future," said Hubbard. "This information will assist the Board in identifying a new President for Malaspina."
Hubbard said the post-secondary landscape in BC, and across the country, has changed significantly over the past five to ten years. The demand on post-secondary institutions to be more entrepreneurial, implement new technologies, raise more revenue through research and grant funding, coupled with the need to create more student spaces are only a few of the challenges facing a new President.
"Rich will be hard to replace," said Hubbard. "He has worked tirelessly to keep the institution connected with the community and has expanded both the range of programs and services offered at Malaspina. Under his leadership, the institution has flourished and we will miss him a great deal."
Johnston has been involved in the delivery of adult education for over 39 years. He started his career at Malaspina as an Associate Dean in 1976, and rose to the position of Dean of Vocational programs in 1980. He was appointed President in the summer of 1986.
In 2003, Johnston received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Kwantlen University College in Surrey, British Columbia, and in February 2004 he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Hanseo in Korea. In April 2005 Johnston was awarded the designation "Citizen of the Year" for Nanaimo.
"Rich has been instrumental in Malaspina's growth, and has ensured that the initial concept of providing high quality, comprehensive, post-secondary education to local, provincial, national and international students has remained the focus of all who chose to become a part of the Malaspina community," added Hubbard.
The Board expects to finalize their search by the end of June 2006.
Tags: In the Community
