TRU – University names Saskatchewan prof as new president

Thompson Rivers University today (April 12, 2018) announced Dr. Brett Fairbairn as its next president and vice-chancellor.

Fairbairn has taught and conducted research at the University of Saskatchewan for more than 30 years. He is a Rhodes scholar, a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and has held numerous grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

He will replace Dr. Alan Shaver.

During his time at the U of S, Fairbairn held increasingly senior leadership positions including provost and vice-president academic, head of the department of history and director of the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives. He currently teaches at Saskatchewan’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

A 16-member committee, representing a wide range of TRU stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, alumni, Indigenous, TRU World and Open Learning, endorsed Fairbairn after a lengthy process that attracted 41 candidates.

“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, who travelled from Saskatchewan to attend today’s announcement.