Thursday November 23, 2023 | COLWOOD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, and former Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan is joining Royal Roads University in the volunteer role of Senior Fellow, Leadership Studies.
Horgan wrapped up his run as BC Premier in the fall of 2022 after dealing with his second battle with cancer, staying on as MLA until 2023. He was an MLA based in the west shore from 2005, became the BC NDP leader in 2014, and premier in 2017. His role as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany was announced November 1 of this year.
“Horgan brings a wealth of public service leadership experience to his role,” it was stated in a news release from Royal Roads University today. “His recent work navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme climate events and economic growth will be invaluable in mentoring students and collaborating with faculty.”
Comment from RRU President:
“We’re delighted to have such an accomplished leader join us to share his knowledge and help with the important work of future-proofing our students so that they can tackle the challenges facing our world,” Philip Steenkamp, President and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Roads University.
“Mr. Horgan is an exemplary guide for students and faculty wishing to make their own positive impacts here at Canada’s university for changemakers.”
Royal Roads is a former military college that transformed itself into offering leadership-oriented masters degree studies for people changing directions mid-career; their 2-year undergrad offering will expand to four years with the new RRU west shore campus in Langford starting September 2024.
Mentoring from afar:
Horgan’s role of Senior Fellow will include mentoring students aspiring to similar leadership paths and collaborating with faculty who share related educational and research aspirations.
“I am honoured to join Royal Roads University. The opportunity to connect with current and future leaders, provide mentorship and inspire them to pursue public service careers of their own is very exciting,” says Horgan, Senior Fellow, Leadership Studies. “I also look forward to collaborating with faculty on researching solutions to global challenges from economics to the climate emergency.”
Senior Fellows are people who have provided extraordinary leadership in public service, business, and civil sectors in Canada and beyond. They are appointed to the University for the purpose of extending, amplifying and communicating their work. Horgan is Royal Roads University’s inaugural Senior Fellow, Leadership Studies. In keeping with university’s technology supported learning model, he will engage with students and faculty online from Germany, where he will serve as Canada’s ambassador.
===== RELATED:
- Horgan heads to Germany (Nov 1, 2023)
- John Horgan wraps up 18 years in BC elected politics (Feb 9, 2023)