Oct. 27, 2008
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
First Chancellor for new Fraser Valley university
The University of the Fraser Valley celebrated the installation of the institution’s first chancellor, Dr. Brian Minter, completing its transition to university status and expanding the opportunities for British Columbian students.
“Congratulations to Dr. Minter on his appointment as the first-ever chancellor for the new University of the Fraser Valley,” said Premier Gordon Campbell in his address to the faculty and staff. “This ceremony recognizes Dr. Minter’s commitment to this institution, and marks the beginning of new opportunities and new post-secondary options for students in the Fraser Valley and beyond.”
A recipient of the Order of Canada, the Spirit of Enterprise award, and the BC Small Business Excellence award, Dr. Minter is a horticulturist, teacher, entrepreneur and owner of the renowned Minter Gardens, located in Chilliwack.
He was chair of the board of governors when Fraser Valley College was made a degree-granting university college in 1991, and is a founding member of the UFV Foundation.
“Government’s commitment to British Columbians seeking a higher education has never been greater, with more than $2.25 billion invested in post-secondary education in B.C. this year,” said Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. “At the University of the Fraser Valley, we’ve increased operating funding by almost $14 million, and invested over $52 million for capital projects since 2001.”
“Dr. Minter is a great choice for the position of chancellor at our university,” said Mike de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford-Mount Lehman. “The fact that he is a well-known and respected Fraser Valley resident is a very big plus and we are excited that the university is moving ahead as quickly as it is in its transition to a full-fledged degree-granting institution.”
“I am thrilled that a local teacher and business owner has been recognized with this esteemed position,” said John van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford-Clayburn. “One of the strengths of UFV is that it has always actively fostered a great connection with the community.”
“I'm very proud that a Chilliwack resident has been selected as the chancellor at our university,” said Barry Penner, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “As a former student of this institution, I'm delighted the B.C. Government has officially established it as a university to give local students more options.”
“Dr. Minter is a well known contributor in the community of Chilliwack and throughout the Fraser Valley,” said John Les, MLA for Chilliwack-Sumas. “This is why I am sure he will no doubt serve as an excellent chancellor at our region’s university.”
The new university designation conferred on the University of the Fraser Valley and four other institutions helps to fulfil government’s throne speech commitment to expand B.C.’s public university system, providing B.C. students with more choice, closer to home.
Since 2001, government has approved 238 new degree programs, and added 32,000 new full-time spaces, for a record 430,000 students attending B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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Media contact:
Bridgitte Anderson, Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 307-7177
Richard Chambers
Communications Director
Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
250 952-6508
250 361-7241 (cell)
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