Vice President Research Hired by Yukon College

Today YC announces that Dr. Chris Hawkins has accepted the position of Vice President Research at Yukon College. He will begin officially in June. Hawkins comes to YC from the University  of Northern BC, where he fulfilled responsibilities in Forest Renewal BC - Slocan Chair of Mixedwood Ecology and Management. Two decades in forest research, instruction, continuing education and administration have developed in Hawkins a strong track record of scholarship, with over 100 publications to his name, presentations delivered across Canada and throughout the world, and an impressive list of committee participation and offices held. He has been employed by UBC, SFU, MacMillan Bloedel and the BC Forest Service as both a scientist and a professor.

“Attracting this level of research professional”, says Terry Weninger, Yukon College President, “allows us to build a comprehensive research agenda for the Yukon Research Centre of Excellence and become a more comprehensive post secondary institution.”

Hawkins brings the professional credibility required to attract further research funds to the Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre, under the Yukon Research Centre of Excellence umbrella. Hawkins points out that “Some good progress has been made through the YCCIC , the NRI and the NCE, and there appears to be a great deal of potential to move that agenda forward with the interests of business, First Nations, partner universities and Yukon Government behind this research initiative.” He goes on to state that “Finding solutions to problems resulting from climate change presents a great challenge and a great potential for commercial opportunities.”

The Yukon Research Centre of Excellence initiative is in partnership with the Yukon Government and is a reflection of the Yukon government’s commitment to northern research.  Approximately $1.7 million will be invested by YG into the development of the YRCE in 2010/2011 with additional funding committed over the following two fiscal years. “Investing in this initiative was an easy decision,” says Minister of Education Patrick Rouble. “The caliber of researchers and staff we are starting to attract to the Yukon Research Centre of Excellence is putting us well on our way to the forefront of northern research and innovation, not only in Canada but also the rest of the world.”

Hawkins is looking forward to life in the Yukon for reasons beyond the professional. In 2005 he was the Chief of Competition for the National Cross Country Skiing Championship held in Prince George. He’s eagerly anticipating exploring skiing throughout the Yukon. He also is the dog handler for a kennel of 13 Siberian huskies raced by his partner Cindy.