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I wish to let you know that our Vice-President, Human Resources, Barbara Meens Thistle, has informed me of her decision to move to semi-retirement and leave UBC.
This has been a difficult decision for Barbara. Due to personal issues, she will be moving to semi-retirement, in order to balance her work and home life. She will continue as Vice-President on a modified work schedule until July 30, 2019, after which time she will return with her husband to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
It has been a great pleasure to work with Barbara. I want to express my personal gratitude, and that of the entire university, for her exceptional leadership in creating an inclusive, connected and diverse UBC.
Barbara joined UBC in February 2018 and has achieved a great amount during her short tenure. Her achievements include:
- Leading the implementation of Policy 131: Sexual Assault and Other Sexual Misconduct. This includes advancing the Independent Investigations Office and both of the Sexual Violence, Prevention and Response Offices.
- Leading on the core area People and Places in the UBC strategic plan, through a new Focus on People Framework.
- Advocating for UBC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program to cultivate a diverse community that sustains equitable and inclusive campuses.
- Providing support to the UBC Executive, including sponsoring the Integrated Renewal Program and advancing UBC’s Wellbeing Strategic Framework.
Barbara has been a strong contributor at the UBC Executive, and at the Board of Governors, championing the voices of faculty, staff, students and alumni. Although we will miss her thoughtful leadership, we will support her in prioritizing her wellbeing.
An Interim Vice-President, Human Resources, will be announced shortly, as will the process for a search to find our next leader. I am grateful that Barbara has agreed to assist with transition in the portfolio over the next few months to ensure that a number of key strategic priorities are well stewarded.
On behalf of UBC, I want to thank Barbara for her exceptional leadership, and wish her well for the future.
Professor Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor
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