A career public servant has been appointed Associate Vice President, Enrolment Services/Registrar at the University of British Columbia.
James Ridge, Deputy City Manager at the City of Vancouver, will assume responsibilities for UBC student recruitment, admissions, financial assistance and other operational matters as well as serving as Secretary of the UBC Senate as mandated by the University Act.
“James Ridge brings a wealth of public sector knowledge and senior management experience to the university,” said UBC President Stephen Toope, “and I believe his contributions to enhancing the UBC student experience will be substantial.”
Ridge’s public sector career began in 1982 with an eight-year stint in the Canadian Forces, where he attained the rank of Major. He became director of the Crime Control Commission of Ontario before taking on a series of licensing and planning positions with the City of Toronto, where he played a key role in municipal amalgamation, culminating in 2001 when he became CIO/Director of Information Technology. Prior to joining the City of Vancouver, Ridge was Chief Administrative Officer of the District of North Vancouver.
“His record of achieving outstanding team effectiveness and service is superbly fitted to building on current strengths and acting on the recommendations of Enrolment Services reviews at the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses,” said Brian Sullivan, Vice President, Students, to whom Ridge reports.
“I am delighted for this unexpected opportunity and enthusiastic about doing my part to help UBC achieve its vision, particularly related to student success,” Ridge said. “I know there will be lots to learn and I am grateful to be joining an accomplished team.”
Ridge, who succeeds Brian Silzer, AVP and Registrar since 2002, will assume his duties on June 8.
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