Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 Gazette staff
The new Chancellor at Royal Roads University finds herself on familiar ground.
Kathleen Birney, who was installed as Chancellor in June as part of RRUB次元官网网址檚 spring convocation, has already served in a number of capacities at the Colwood-based campus. A civil trial lawyer with Cox Taylor in Victoria, Birney has served as chair of RRUB次元官网网址檚 governance and nominating committee since April 2016. Prior to that, she was appointed to the board as a Lieutenant Governor in Council in December 2013.
Birney, a native of Prince George, graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1982 with a Bachelor in Criminology degree. She earned her Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia in 1992, and was called to the bar in 1994. Her career involves all levels of court in the justice system, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She has extensive experience representing clients in jury trials, appeals, administrative tribunals, mediation, and judicial reviews. Birney also regularly advises public interest groups and corporate and individual landowners on land use and development issues, as well as environmental and regulatory concerns.
Birney has been elected by RRUB次元官网网址檚 board of governors for a three-year term. Under the universityB次元官网网址檚 single chamber governance model, her role will include conferring degrees and presiding over convocations. Her position as chair of the board of governors includes the responsibilities of a traditional university board and senate.
One of the reasons Birney is looking forward to her new role is because of the continuing evolution at RRU. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 always a lot happening,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚t seems like programs are ending and new ones are starting every week.B次元官网网址�
Birney also enjoys the dynamic that is tied to the fact that RRU is a mid-career destination for the majority of students, with many arriving from faroff places around the world. B次元官网网址淲e learn a lot from them and they learn a lot from each other,B次元官网网址� she explained.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an honour to participate in the boardB次元官网网址檚 strategic planning,B次元官网网址� she noted. B次元官网网址淭ogether with the board and superb administrators, faculty, staff and students, I am pleased to champion lifelong learning through the enriching experience of Royal RoadsB次元官网网址� programs.B次元官网网址�
RRU president and vice-chancellor Allan Cahoon said BirneyB次元官网网址檚 commitment to the university, legal expertise and community experience make her a tremendous asset to the board. B次元官网网址淚 am delighted to be working with her for the advancement of the university and our students,B次元官网网址� Cahoon said in a media release.
Birney replaces Wayne Strandlund, who completed his term last month.
