New president at TRU

Photo: Contributed

Dr. Brett Fairbairn has been named the next president and vice-chancellor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

Fairbairn taught and researched at the University of Saskatchewan for over 30 years. He is a Rhodes scholar, and a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He currently teaches at Saskatchewan's Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Fairbairn to TRU and to the Kamloops region,” said Jim Thomson, chair of the university’s board of governors.

Fairbairn brings a "depth of experience in academics, strategic leadership, relationship development and a strong value system of integrity, respect and accountability, added with a good measure of passion,” said Thomson.

“I’m excited to be joining a university that is defining a new path, and that is different than other universities with its range of programs, open learning and strong connections with its local communities,” said Fairbairn.

“The most important part of this role, and what attracted me the most, is building relationships.”

Fairbairn will officially take over the position on Dec. 1. Alan Shaver will step down on Aug. 31, at which time provost and vice-president academic Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen will serve as interim president.

Fairbairn's academic work has focused on the history and interdisciplinary study of democracy, social movements and co-operative enterprises in Canada and around the world. His recent teaching and research have focused on organizational governance and leadership. A strong believer in community-based research, Fairbairn has more than 80 publications, which are a mix of scholarly and community-oriented writings. 

He has also served in numerous voluntary leadership roles and was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.