John Innes, professor and FRBC Chair of Forest Management, will become the University of British Columbia’s new dean in the Faculty of Forestry, beginning July 1, 2010.
“Innes’ six-year appointment marks a transition for the Faculty, reflecting the changing role of forestry around the world,” says David Farrar, Provost and Vice President Academic of UBC. “Forests are increasingly recognized for their social and environmental value.”
“In the coming years, the Faculty of Forestry will be progressively more engaged internationally,” says Innes. “We will be a leader in ensuring that forests and their products play a greater role in the emerging green economies around the world.”
A particular focus will be on China, a country of growing importance to the British Columbia forest sector, says Innes who has had extensive experience in China over the past eight years.
Innes was instrumental in setting up exchanges with Nanjing Forestry University and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University that allows students to study for two years in China before coming to UBC to finish their degrees. He also works closely with the China State Forestry Administration to make their forest management practices more sustainable.
“The Faculty will continue to be involved in issues affecting all British Columbia,” says Innes, who plans to carry on building relationships with First Nations, ensuring that the value of the province’s forest ecosystems are fully recognized and working towards sustainable forests and forest-based communities. “UBC aims to be at the forefront of new developments in all aspects of modern forestry and will ensure that this research is utilized in British Columbia and around the world.”
“Dr. Innes’ expertise in forest health and management, his interest in international issues and his work with Aboriginal communities will be instrumental as he leads the Faculty through the challenges and changes facing the forest industry,” says Farrar. “He brings a strong commitment to research, teaching and learning, and academic leadership to this role.”
Innes succeeds Jack Saddler, who will step down as dean after providing 10 years of outstanding leadership to UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, which now ranks among the premier forestry schools in the world.
The Board of Governors accepted the President’s recommendation that Innes be appointed as dean at a Board of Governors meeting on June 9, 2010 at UBC’s Okanagan campus. For more information about Innes’ appointment, please visit www.vpacademic.ubc.ca .