Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff
The new Chancellor at Royal Roads University finds herself on familiar ground.
Kathleen Birney, who was installed as Chancellor in June as part of RRU’s spring convocation, has already served in a number of capacities at the Colwood-based campus. A civil trial lawyer with Cox Taylor in Victoria, Birney has served as chair of RRU’s governance and nominating committee since April 2016. Prior to that, she was appointed to the board as a Lieutenant Governor in Council in December 2013.
Birney, a native of Prince George, graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1982 with a Bachelor in Criminology degree. She earned her Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia in 1992, and was called to the bar in 1994. Her career involves all levels of court in the justice system, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She has extensive experience representing clients in jury trials, appeals, administrative tribunals, mediation, and judicial reviews. Birney also regularly advises public interest groups and corporate and individual landowners on land use and development issues, as well as environmental and regulatory concerns.
Birney has been elected by RRU’s board of governors for a three-year term. Under the university’s single chamber governance model, her role will include conferring degrees and presiding over convocations. Her position as chair of the board of governors includes the responsibilities of a traditional university board and senate.
One of the reasons Birney is looking forward to her new role is because of the continuing evolution at RRU. “There’s always a lot happening,” she said. “It seems like programs are ending and new ones are starting every week.”
Birney also enjoys the dynamic that is tied to the fact that RRU is a mid-career destination for the majority of students, with many arriving from faroff places around the world. “We learn a lot from them and they learn a lot from each other,” she explained.
“It’s an honour to participate in the board’s strategic planning,” she noted. “Together with the board and superb administrators, faculty, staff and students, I am pleased to champion lifelong learning through the enriching experience of Royal Roads’ programs.”
RRU president and vice-chancellor Allan Cahoon said Birney’s commitment to the university, legal expertise and community experience make her a tremendous asset to the board. “I am delighted to be working with her for the advancement of the university and our students,” Cahoon said in a media release.
Birney replaces Wayne Strandlund, who completed his term last month.
