2005-2006

News Release

REF NO.: 58

SUBJECT: Search for director of Labrador Institute continues

DATE: October 20, 2005

Memorial University is continuing its search for a person to head up the Labrador Institute. The Labrador Institute is based in Happy-Valley Goose Bay and was established by the university to stimulate, coordinate, and support major university projects and programs designed to promote the well-being of the people of Labradorand to expand the Labrador knowledge base. Dr. Tim Borlase headed up the Labrador Institute from 2002 to 2005.

A search for a new director was begun in February 2005 and concluded recently, but the search committee could not decide on any one of the candidates. The university will re-advertise the position and continue its process of evaluating applicants until a suitable person is found to lead the institute.

Dr. Michael Collins, associate vice-president (academic), is chair of the search committee. He said that the committee reviewed many applications and he said that they received a positive response to their first search. Most of the candidates had excellent qualifications in their fields he said, but ultimately the committee felt the search did not yield a candidate who met all criteria for the post.

“The Labrador Institute is a unit with a special relationship to the Labrador community,” he said. “We are looking very carefully and want to hire the best person for the job at this point in the Labrador Institute’s history. There are many dimensions to the job and to the work of the Institute. We are confident that the right person is out there and we are willing to take our time and keep searching. I feel confident the community in Labrador will appreciate our diligence as we attempt to serve them by finding the best fit for this job. I feel they have come to expect that Memorial University will keep their best interests in mind when it comes to the affairs of the Labrador Institute.”

Dr. Collins said that the university will shortly be re-advertising the position. He also wished to thank all of the applicants for their interest in MemorialUniversityand also wished to thank the many people who provided feedback on the candidates.

Dr. Ron Sparkes is acting as interim director until the position is filled.

Background:

The Labrador Institute of Memorial University was established by the University to stimulate, coordinate, and support major University projects and programs designed to promote the well-being of the people of Labradorand to expand the Labradorknowledge base. Its location in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the geographic centre of Labrador, gives it a perspective on regional and aboriginal issues that direct the operations of the Institute.

The Institute identifies opportunities in research where the capabilities of the University may enhance our knowledge of Labradorand address concerns of the community, and puts forward educational needs for continuing human resource and cultural development.

The Institute:

· - is the main contact point for the University in Labrador.

· - maintains communications with aboriginal and community groups.

· - facilitates and coordinates the activity of personnel at the university as they undertake cultural, research and educational activities.

For more information on the Labrador Institute, please see www.mun.ca/labradorinstitute.

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