The head of one of B.C.'s research universities has decided to transition to "research leave".

Dan Weeks stepped away from the presidency of the University of Northern British Columbia just one-and-a-half years into his second five-year term.

He had been on medical since January. That came after rancourous contract talks with the UNBC Faculty Association.

“I know that the UNBC Timberwolf family is blessed with many talented people; our community must remain focused, with an eye towards moving this outstanding institution forward in the best interest of the communities we are honoured to serve,” Weeks said in a UNBC news release. “I am proud of the many positive things we accomplished over the past six years, and I wish continued success for the university.”

The board of governors has appointed Geoffrey Payne as interim president. Payne was serving as acting president after Weeks went on medical leave.

“Dan had an extraordinarily positive impact during his time as president,” board chair Lee Ongman said. “Our student enrolment numbers are improving, reversing a previously declining trend. We’ve strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities and taken meaningful steps along the path of Reconciliation. We’ve focused our academic, strategic and financial planning and diversified our community through revitalized internationalization efforts."

UNBC had 2,738 audited full-time equivalent students in 2018-19. Its main campus is in Prince George and it has satellite campuses in Fort St. John, Terrace, and Quesnel.

UNBC also has an affiliation with Wilp Wilxo'oskwhi Nisga'a in the Nass River valley community of Gitwinksihlkw (formerly known as Canyon City).