Out-going FNUniv president not seeking another term
- EFN Staff | March 06, 2019
The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) President Mark Dockstator’s five-year term will be coming to an end in June 2019. Dockstator stated in a release on March 4th that he won’t be seeking renewal of his term as president.
He cited the university’s achievements of the past five years as a national leader in Indigenous education. Significantly, FNUniv recently received Reserve designation, a milestone achievement in the proud history of Canada’s first and only First Nations university.
“President Dockstator made a five-year commitment to the University and we respect his decision," said Loretta Pete, Vice Chair of the university’s board of governors in a prepared statement. “His role and function was to transform the University from a troubled institution five years ago into a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous education. He has done that and we are grateful.”
Dockstator will continue as president until the end of his term and until then, the university will initiate a search immediately.
“Following the recent signing ceremony to celebrate Reserve Creation, my wife Jennifer and I were reflecting on the great success that the university has become. The signing ceremony, which was such a tremendous event that celebrated the success of the Star Blanket community and the university, was indeed historic,” said Dockstator. “It may seem normal now, but five years ago it would have been difficult to attract such a wide range of leadership to support and promote the success of the university…we have indeed come a long way over the last five years.”
Dockstator added the incredible success that the university has become including record student enrollments, strong financial situation, solid reputation as a national leader in Indigenous education, and the incredible array of programs, activities, and events undertaken throughout the university by such a dedicated core of faculty and staff.
“It is a good time to pass on this incredibly vibrant university with unlimited potential to the next leader who can build on this solid foundation of achievement in order to reach ever higher levels,” he said.
Dockstator said he and his wife will be moving onto the next adventure in their life.
“There are, of course, many others to thank and we will, over the next few months, attempt to do so in person,” he said. “It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience in every way. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”