KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerry Desrochers as the Williams Lake Campus Director, effective Aug. 1.
The new Campus Director position results from a revised administrative structure that refocuses the role of the senior administrative officer of the Williams Lake campus to the general administration of the facilities, financial resources and support services of that campus, and on the implementation of plans for strategic growth. This position will report jointly to the Vice-President Administration & Finance and to the Provost & Vice-President Academic, and will work closely with TRU Deans and Directors to direct the strategic development of the Williams Lake campus. This administrative structure better recognizes the authority and responsibility of the Deans of the academic divisions of TRU for their academic programs and academic staff, regardless of the site of delivery of the programs, and still provides for overall integration and coordination of the academic activities, and the support required to deliver them.
Desrochers brings a broad range of leadership and managerial expertise and experience to his new position. He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a B.A.Sc. Mechanical Engineering from UBC. He also has Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Certification- Residential Systems Design and Commercial Systems Design from BCIT. He has been employed with Thompson Rivers University since 2003 in a variety of roles including teaching, co-operative education, employer liaison, international work and was instrumental in the successful launch of the new Bachelor of Technology – Trades & Technology Leadership degree program. He is currently Chair of the Management Information System Committee for COOP Career Educational Development – computer development project.
Prior to joining TRU, Desrochers had experience in leadership positions as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed forces, as a project manager and project design/engineer in aerospace manufacturing, and as a superintendent at the Weyerhaeuser sawmill in Kamloops.
“I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the community,” Desrochers said. “I look forward to meeting all the faculty and staff on a one-to-one basis to better understand the challenges and opportunities in Williams Lake.”
These meetings will take place as soon as Derochers returns from a trip to China where, on behalf of the School of Trades & Technology, TRU World, and the School of Business, he will be promoting the TRU Bachelor of Technology degree program. “A top priority for me upon my arrival in Williams Lake will be the formation of a campus advisory council, which will be comprised of representatives from faculty, staff, Chairs and Deans.”
For more information contact:
Cliff Neufeld
VP Administration & Finance TRU
250.828.5011_or by email, cneufeld@tru.ca
Gerry Desrochers
Director TRU Williams Lake
250.828.5106 or by email, gdesrochers@tru.ca
