Thompson Rivers University’s news president and vice-chancellor has been named.
On July 1, Dr. Airini’s five-year term will begin.
Airini is currently the provost and vice-president of Academic at the University of Saskatchewan, a news release from the university said.
She also served as dean of TRU’s faculty of Education and Social Work from 2014-2021.
“Returning to TRU is both an honour and a responsibility. It’s an enormous privilege to take on this role. We know that TRU became a full university 20 years ago because of this community’s strong vision and advocacy,” she said.
“It is from these roots that this dynamic university is serving the region and quietly yet boldly changing the province and the world. I know first hand that TRU is a genuine force for good, honouring Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, T’exelc and the Secwépemc Nation. I am excited to serve our communities and to advocate relentlessly for all that is unique and exceptional about TRU.”
The university said the search for TRU’s next president was comprehensive and involved a committee made up of representatives from faculty, staff, students, administrators, local Indigenous communities, board members and alumni.
It also involved help from a search firm to bring the search to an international search.
After a thorough review of all candidates, the committee unanimously recommended Airini for the role.
“Dr. Airini stood out for her experience, integrity, and academic leadership,” said Hee Young Chung, chair of the Board of Governors and the search committee. “She brings a deep understanding of TRU’s mission and a clear commitment to our students, communities and partners.”
The news release said Airini is an internationally recognized researcher, teacher and leader in higher education.
She holds a BA and MEd from the University of Canterbury, an MBA from Massey University and a Diploma in Teaching from the former Christchurch Teachers College. Through night classes, she completed a certificate in Te Ara Reo (Māori language) with Te Whare Wānanga o Aotearoa.
She came to Canada as an international student and completed a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at UBC.
Before joining TRU in 2014, Airini was the inaugural head of the School of Critical Studies in Education and associate dean (Equity) at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the news release noted.
She led Pacific Education at the former Auckland College of Education. A Fulbright scholar, Airini holds adjunct professor appointments in Australia and New Zealand and is a national award-winning researcher and educator in Canada and New Zealand.
She has written more than 100 academic papers, books, chapters and reports and has led or worked on several research and development projects.
During her time at TRU, she oversaw the expansion of research and scholarship and the creation of new undergraduate and graduate programs.
She also co-led the Knowledge Makers program and introduced Indigenous language, culture and research methods courses and led the Coyote Project.
She also advised the BC government on the Equity in Action Project, an initiative for all BC school districts successfully working together to address systemic barriers impacting Indigenous student achievement.
Internationally, Airini has advised education ministries in developing countries, including the Cook Islands and Tonga, and contributed to UNESCO projects in the Pacific. She is a member of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems.
The announcement comes nearly two years after TRU’s current president Brett Fairbairn said he would be retiring in summer 2025 after seven years of leading the university.
