The BC Council for International Education (BCCIE) has appointed a new Chair and Vice-Chair to its Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in 2023, Dr. Geoff Payne and Paul Dangerfield have introduced innovative ideas drawn from their extensive experience. Notably, this is only the second time that BCCIE has had the President of a research university serve as Board Chair.

BCCIE’s Board of Directors oversees the organization’s mandate in advancing the international education interests of the government and people of British Columbia.

Dr. Geoff Payne, Chair is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia. A founding faculty member at the Northern Medical Program, Geoff came to UNBC in June 2004 to teach Physiology following a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale University in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and John B. Pierce Laboratory.

He is also currently a Professor with the Division of Medical Sciences in the field of Vascular Physiology. During his time at UNBC, Geoff has served in several leadership roles including the inaugural Assistant Dean for Education and Research between 2009-2015 and the founding Director of the UNBC Health Research Institute.

He holds a PhD from Memorial University of Newfoundland in the field of Cardiovascular and Renal Physiology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience and his Master of Science in Neuroscience and Pharmacology from Memorial University.

Paul Dangerfield, Vice-Chair is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Capilano University. In his role, Paul is leading Capilano University forward in pursuit of its vision and mission as a regional university that promotes student success, career preparation, and life readiness for graduates to contribute as responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Previously, Paul was the Executive Director and Vancouver campus dean of the New York Institute of Technology, and was Dean of Capilano University’s Faculty of Business and Professional Studies from 2006 to 2009. Prior to his role with the New York Institute of Technology, Paul was the Vice-President of Education, Research, and International with British Columbia Institute of Technology from 2009 to 2014. From 1985, Dangerfield spent 20 years with the Canadian Forces in a variety of increasingly senior roles that included Chief of Staff, Commanding Officer, and Vice-President of Human Resources.

Paul holds a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Carleton University.

Quote:

Randall Martin, Executive Director, BCCIE

“We are honored to have Paul and Geoff assume new roles on BCCIE’s Board of Directors. Their proven leadership and vision have already been instrumental in advancing international education in BC, and in their new positions, they are certain to make a positive impact on international students for years to come.”