VIU appoints new Executive Director, University Relations

Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor for Vancouver Island University (VIU), today announced the appointment of Mr. Dan Hurley to the position of Executive Director, University Relations.

“The Executive Director, University Relations will play a leading role in shaping VIU’s communications, marketing, advancement and alumni relations, government relations, stakeholder and community engagement activities,” said Nilson. “Mr. Hurley brings a broad background in executive leadership, government relations, strategic communications, marketing, reputation management, major event planning, and public policy development at the national and international levels. He will be a tremendous asset to the VIU community, and it is a pleasure to welcome him to Vancouver Island and to our university.”

Currently a communications and government relations consultant, Hurley recently served as Associate Vice-President (External Affairs) at The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) during a time of significant growth and renewal. He played a leading role in developing the communications and advancement strategies for UWinnipeg’s successful $135 million capital campaign, completed in 2011. This included building a new College for the Environment and Science Complex, a new home for the Faculty of Business and Economics, and a new student residence and day care centre. The campaign also contributed to the introduction of new outreach programs and development of scholarships and bursaries to promote access for non-traditional students, especially from Aboriginal and new Canadian communities.

“I believe in the power of education to transform lives,” said Hurley. “Post-secondary education can empower and inspire all of us to achieve our dreams, regardless of social or economic background. Universities such as VIU are special places not only for learning and research, but also as leaders in our society with the resources and moral obligation to inspire the wider public, to be accessible and open to all.”

Prior to his time at UWinnipeg, Hurley worked in Ottawa for more than a decade in both government and the media. He served as Chief of Staff to the federal Ministers of the Environment and Western Economic Diversification, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Public Affairs Officer for Cadets Canada. As a journalist, he was a reporter and associate producer for CBC Radio, and was a researcher for Canadian Geographic magazine.

Hurley says he was attracted to VIU because of its positive reputation for excellence in academics and athletics, community engagement and strong relationships with Aboriginal peoples.

“I am very pleased to be joining the VIU community at this important time in its history. As the University continues to evolve and grow, it will be important to build on the special relationships we have developed with our home communities, our students, our faculty and staff, and our alumni and donors, while also working to promote the VIU brand to new audiences across Canada and around the world. I am certainly looking forward to ‘Enjoying the Journey!’” concluded Hurley.

Hurley holds a Master of Journalism from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies from the University of Winnipeg. He is actively involved in a number of volunteer associations including as President of Theatre Projects Manitoba, Vice-President of the Canadian Public Relations Society (Manitoba) and Director with the Foundation for the Study of Processes of Government in Canada.

Hurley will assume his new position with VIU in September 2012.