Science dean to help chart UBC’s academic direction

Faculty of Science Dean Barry McBride has been appointed vice-president,
Academic and Provost, at the University of British Columbia for
a six-year term beginning Jan. 1, 1998.

“Dr. McBride brings a breadth of experience, knowledge and expertise
to this portfolio,” said UBC President Martha Piper. “I very much
look forward to working with him to advance the vision of the University
of British Columbia.”

McBride, UBC’s dean of Science since 1990 and a UBC faculty member
since 1970, has held numerous academic and administrative roles
at the university.

A member of the university Senate since 1987, he chairs several
university committees and has been involved with a range of national
and international professional associations and governmental agencies.
He currently serves on the Research Advisory Committee of the Canadian
Institute of Advanced Research (CIAR), co-chairs the Medical Research
Council (MRC) Standing Committee on Science and Research, and is
a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Alberta Heritage
Foundation for Medical Research.

The vice-president, Academic and Provost, reports to the president
and is responsible for providing leadership and vision in setting
the overall academic priorities and direction for the university.
In 1996-97, the vice-president administered a budget of approximately
$300 million. Several senior academic and administrative positions
report directly to the vice-president including four associate vice-presidents
and the 12 deans of faculties.

The selection of McBride was the result of an extensive consultative
process co-ordinated by a President’s Advisory Committee.

He takes over from Dan Birch who is completing his second six-year
term in the position. Birch, a professor in the Dept. of Educational
Studies, will return to research and teaching in the Faculty of
Education.

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