Thompson Rivers University has appointed Dr. Wesley J. Koczka as Associate Vice President, International and CEO Global Operations.

The Vice President Business Development University Canada West (UCW) from March 2007 to October 2009, Dr. Koczka provided strategic direction, domestic and international, for new institutional, programmatic, course and service-fee initiatives. He evaluated and negotiated mutually beneficial programmatic and financial agreements with domestic and foreign universities, post secondary institutions, education corporations and government agencies.

Dr. Koczka is also the former Dean of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria, where from 1996 to 2007 he successfully negotiated numerous programs, service fee and product sale contracts with international educational institutions in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan and other countries.

“TRU has an excellent reputation around the world for its programs and marketing innovation,” said Dr. Koczka. “I am excited by this opportunity to continue the momentum of the individuals at TRU World that have created an enterprise that hosts more than 1200 students from 70 countries on its campus and has more than 1000 students enrolled in programs in China, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.”

“Dr. Koczka has over 20 years of experience gained in both public and private sectors,” said Cliff Neufeld, TRU Vice President Finance and Administration. “He will bring a solid background in the development of domestic and international student marketing / recruitment, international partnerships and other internationalization opportunities at TRU.”

Starting May 1, 2010 as the Associate Vice-President (AVP) serving as the CEO of Global Operations at TRU, Koczka will oversee a $17 million business unit, providing vision and strategic direction for the department by creating and building strategic partnerships worldwide with educational institutions, governments, industry, agencies, offshore representatives and funding bodies. TRU World also facilitates domestic student opportunities that include study abroad and field schools around the world.

Dr. Koczka received his BA, BEd, and MEd degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, and his Doctorate in Education from Brigham Young University in Utah.