The University of the Fraser Valley’s president is retiring – but not right away.
Dr. Mark Evered, who has served in the university’s top position since July 1, 2009, announced his intention to retire in 2017 earlier this year. UFV has already begun the search for his replacement and has hired a headhunting firm to find suitable candidates.
The university will pay Boydon Global Executive Search around $54,000 over 18 months plus expenses, according to university spokesperson Dave Pinton.
“We have to be sure we get the right leader with the right kind of experience,” he said. “It’s to ensure we select the most qualified candidate. It’s a search that goes across Canada for candidates with excellent leadership ability and relevant experience.”
Pinton said the next president will set the tone for the university’s future for years to come and oversee an organization with 1,500 employees and 17,000 students.
A 13-member search committee has also been convened and has been soliciting input from UFV faculty, students and other community members.
The president is the top-earner at UFV. Last year, Evered’s salary was $187,125, and his total compensation was $217,268 including benefits, pension, vacation and housing allowance.
Prior to coming to UFV, Evered – who was not available for an interview – was provost and vice-president academic at Thompson Rivers University. He also previously served as associate vice-president academic at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to entering administration, Evered, who has a PhD in physiology, held research and academic positions at a range of prominent universities.
Evered is expected to retire at the end of June in 2017.