VIU is embarking on the search for its next continuing president. At the January 29, 2026 Board Meeting, following consultation with Interim President Dr. Dennis Johnson, the Board kicked off the search. This was done to ensure a thorough and comprehensive recruitment process, as outlined in the Board’s procedure, before the expiry of Dr. Johnson’s current interim appointment.
Presidential search: latest updates
Community members were invited to help shape the search by providing feedback on the candidate criteria that will be used to recruit and select VIU’s next president. The consultation closed on May 15. Thank you to everyone who contributed thoughtful feedback and helped shape this importance stage of the search.
Feedback was collected in several ways, including an anonymous survey, individual email submissions, and the opportunity for formal submissions from community groups, local governments, and other organizations. In addition, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) conducted targeted outreach to VIU’s community partners, local governments, and Indigenous partners to invite their input.
We are encouraged by the strong level of engagement from across the VIU community and beyond. All feedback received will be carefully reviewed and synthesized into a consultation report, which will be posted publicly on this webpage once finalized.
The insights shared will play an important role in shaping the criteria used to recruit and select VIU’s next President, helping to ensure the process reflects the priorities and aspirations of the communities VIU serves.
If you have any questions about the search process, how to express interest in the position, or how to refer prospective candidates please contact us at presidentialsearch@viu.ca.
The PSAC launched the April 20 to May 15 public consultation on the criteria VIU’s community thinks are most important in the next University President. See above for more information on the community engagement.
View the criteria shared in the consultation process.
The Presidential Search Advisory Committee membership has been constituted in accordance with the terms of reference.
Membership, Presidential Search Advisory Committee 2026
Voting Members
- Jamie Cassels, Chair of the Board of Governors
- Nate Bello, Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors
- Peter C. P. Behie, Board of Governors
- Sharon Torgerson, Board of Governors
- Claire Grogan, Interim Provost and Vice-President Administration
- Carolyn Russell, Vice-President Students
- Rachel Moll, Dean, Faculties of Education and Academic & Career Preparation
- Sungchul Choi, Dean, Faculty of Management
- Patricia Elliott, Director, Employee Relations
- Bryan Tinlin, Director, Student Services
- Lillian Morton, Director, Office of Indigenous Education
- David Hopwood, Vice-Chair of Senate
- Gara Pruesse, President, VIUFA
- Quinn Ramsay, Lead Steward, CUPE (Delegate)
- Brad Jannaway, Chair, BCGEU
- James Bowen, Executive Director, VIUSU
- Michael MacKenzie, Professor, Political Studies
- Chris Jaeger, Professor, Management
- Buddy Wolfe, BCGEU Representative
Non-Voting Members
- William Boyte, General Counsel and University Secretary
- Kathryn Young, Boyden
Administrative Support
- Dorcas Nganga
At the March 31 meeting, the Board of Governors approved the draft criteria to forward to the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) as per the PSAC’s Terms of Reference.
The PSSC completed its work and has referred documentation to the Board of Governors to initiate the search.
The Presidential Search Steering Committee (PSSC) has been constituted.
Presidential Search Steering Committee Members
- Chair, Board of Governors: Jamie Cassels
- Vice-Chair, Board of Governors: Nate Bello
- Immediate Past Chair, Board of Governors: Karen Bittner
The Committee completed its work as per the committee’s Terms of Reference.