Capilano University announces president's leave of absence and interim leadership
NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. – Soon Kim, chair of Capilano University’s Board of Governors, today announced that Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University, will be on a short-term medical leave effective January 15, 2018. To ensure continuity of leadership, Toran Savjord, VP strategic planning, assessment and institutional effectiveness, has been appointed as acting president for the full extent of Dangerfield’s leave. As well, Chris Bottrill, dean, global & community studies, will serve as acting VP, academic, during this period.
“The president has the whole-hearted support of the Board throughout his medical leave,” says Chair Kim. “The Board has approved the interim leadership plan for the University and we are confident it provides the appropriate administrative structure required by the University at this time. We offer President Dangerfield our sincere good wishes for a full recovery and look forward to his return to campus before long.”
The full text of President Dangerfield’s message provided this morning to Capilano University’s employees is provided here:
| A few short weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires further medical attention. Over the past few days, a plan to address the issue through surgery has been confirmed and I am scheduled for the procedure on Wednesday of next week. I’ve been advised that the recovery period following this type of surgery is generally 8–10 weeks. For this reason, I will be on a leave of absence from the University beginning Monday, January 15, 2018. I am extremely thankful for the swift and skilled attention I have received from my medical team and the understanding of my family for the important place that Capilano University holds in my life. As you might imagine, this is not a situation of my choosing. Still, balancing the importance of attending to my health alongside my responsibilities to the University requires that I step back from my role as president for the duration of my prescribed recovery period. As I am preparing to be away for a number of weeks, I am grateful to have the support of the Board of Governors; the Capilano University Faculty Association; MoveUp and the Capilano Students’ Union. To ensure continuity of leadership, Toran Savjord, VP strategic planning, assessment and institutional effectiveness, has been appointed as acting president for the full extent of my absence. As well, Chris Bottrill, dean, global & community studies, will serve as acting VP, academic. I am highly confident in the skills, abilities and good judgment of both individuals to support our executive and Senior Leadership Council, provide ongoing direction to the University and ensure the Board and stakeholders remain informed of the University’s progress over the next few months. Depending upon your role, I realize that this situation may create some challenges for you. I am sorry for this and would that it were otherwise. At the same time, I know the excellent teaching and learning we are respected for will continue unabated in my absence and the service all our employees provide to students and the community will remain uncompromised. Although I will miss being on campus and connecting with everyone, my prognosis is excellent and I look forward to returning to my role with renewed good health. Please be assured that you will be informed of my return to work date as soon as it has been determined. In the meantime, I wish everyone a strong start to the semester and I thank you for your ongoing support. It means a great deal. Sincerely, Paul Dangerfield President Capilano University |
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University offers 99 programs, including bachelor’s degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University enrols approximately 10,500 students each year, 8,200 in for-credit programs and 2,300 in non-credit courses. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Media contact
Cheryl Rossi
Senior Communications Advisor
Capilano University
t: 604 983 7596
c: 778 879 7119
e: cherylrossi@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Cheryl Rossi