Nancy McKenzie elected Board of Governors chair

Nancy McKenzie will be the new Board of Governors chair, the university announced this morning.

The long-awaited announcement follows the resignation of former Chair Michael Korenberg, following backlash after he liked tweets criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement. Korenberg held the chair position from 2018 to 2020.

• Board Chair Michael Korenberg resigns following criticism over ‘regressive’ liked tweets
• UBC Board chair responds to backlash for liking tweets criticizing anti-fascist, BLM protests

McKenzie was appointed to the Board by the province in 2017. She has a financial background and is the Corporate Director for Coast Capital Savings. Up until her election as chair, McKenzie chaired the finance committee.

Elected by the other governors, McKenzie said in a UBC press release that she plans to focus on academic and research excellence, equity and inclusion, sustainability, Indigenous reconciliation and student health and wellness.

While Korenberg’s commitment to equity and diversity was questioned at the end of his term, McKenzie has highlighted her commitment to the cause.

“I am truly looking forward to working with what I believe is one of the most diverse boards in Canada, not only in terms of career backgrounds but also in terms of gender, ethnicity, culture and lived experiences,” she said in the release.

“With so much uncertainty and risk in the world today, it is paramount that we foster a culture of collaboration and respectful challenge by sharing our unique perspectives, experiences and expertise.”

• The aftermath of chair’s resignation at the Board of Governors

New Chancellor Steven Lewis Point echoed McKenzie’s commitments.

“Not only is Nancy McKenzie deeply passionate about the UBC community, but she is a strong role model committed to anti-racism and anti-discrimination,” Point said in the press release.

“This is especially critical at this moment when we collectively need to advance the actions of the university, to engage in learning and provide strong leadership. I look forward to working with her and the board in helping drive forward UBC’s strategic priorities.”

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