NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008OTP0265-001678 Nov. 7, 2008	Office of the Premier Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY WELCOMES FIRST CHANCELLOR

VANCOUVER – One of British Columbia’s oldest post-secondary institutions, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, celebrated the installation of their first chancellor today – John ‘Jake’ Kerr – marking the completion of its transition to full university status.

 

            “Mr. Kerr’s appointment as the first-ever chancellor for the Emily Carr University of Art and Design marks an important milestone for this unique institution. This institution fills an important role in B.C.’s post-secondary landscape, providing unique programs and education opportunities,” said Premier Gordon Campbell during a ceremony to mark Kerr’s new role. “Today’s ceremony honours the service both the university and Mr. Kerr have offered to British Columbians in the past, and will continue to do in the future.”

 

Jake Kerr, a recipient of the Order of British Columbia, has long been involved with British Columbia’s forest industries. He is a founder and current director of the Forest Alliance of British Columbia, and director and vice-chair of the Canadian Forest Industries Council. Kerr has also been a strong member of the cultural community, supporting the visual arts.

 

Emily Carr University was first founded in 1925 and is one of British Columbia’s oldest post-secondary institutions. It presently has about 1,600 full-time students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with 2,200 additional non-degree students attending classes or workshops each year.

 

 “Emily Carr University and the four other institutions granted university status Sept. 1 are helping British Columbians access more options for advanced education,” said Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Murray Coell. “This change supports the world-class reputation of this university, helping B.C. students to access university degree programs close to home.”

 

The Province has increased operating funding for the Emily Carr University by $2.7 million, or 28 per cent since 2001/02, and provided over $2 million for capital projects, including a new digital studio.

 

Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $1.5 billion in campus capital expansion, opened six new universities, added 32,000 seats, and increased operating funding to post-secondary institutions by 40 per cent.

 

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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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