File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

TRU

Former dean Airini to succeed Fairbairn as TRU president

Apr 2, 2025 | 11:19 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University has chosen a familiar face at its new president and vice-chancellor.

Dr. Airini, a former dean of the TRU Faculty of Education and Social Work, becomes the school’s fifth president. She is currently provost and vice-president academic at the University of Saskatchewan.

In a news release issued Wednesday (April 2), TRU describes Airini as an “internationally respected education researcher” whose research “has helped shape education systems in Canada and worldwide.”

“I am genuinely honoured to accept this appointment to lead this university community, which I deeply care about. It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of TRU’s previous and current presidents,” she said. “I am excited to serve our communities and to advocate relentlessly for all that is unique and exceptional about TRU.”

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Airini succeeds the retiring Brett Fairbairn, who took over the top administrative position at TRU in December 2018.

“Dr. Airini brings deep knowledge of TRU and has bold ideas about where we can go next as a dynamic university,” said Hee Young Chung, who chairs TRU’s Board of Governors.

For more information about Airini’s background, visit this page.