McDermott + Bull has successfully placed Dr. Gordon Binsted as Provost + Vice-President, Academic at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Gordon will be responsible for leading all academic functions of the university, reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor. He will oversee the strategic academic direction of the institution, guiding program delivery across multiple campuses, ensuring academic excellence, and enhancing student experience through inclusive, Indigenous-informed, and innovation-driven education.
Dr. Binsted brings over two decades of leadership experience in Canadian higher education. He most recently served as Founding Deputy Provost, York University where he led the construction, staffing, academic direction, quality assurance, and launch of the Markham Campus. Prior to York, he held several senior roles at the University of British Columbia, including Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Development, Associate Provost for Strategic Health Initiatives, and Vice Principal Academic and Research at the Okanagan Campus. Earlier in his career, he held academic appointments at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Illinois. Gordon earned his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Alberta, a Master’s degree in Motor Behaviour from McMaster University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Motor Learning and Control from the University of British Columbia.
Thompson Rivers University is a comprehensive, learner-centered institution located in Kamloops, British Columbia, serving nearly 30,000 students across its main and regional campuses, as well as through Open Learning. As Canada’s first dual-sector research university, TRU is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Indigenous engagement, and use-inspired research that supports regional and global challenges.
This executive search was completed by McDermott + Bull Principal Alex Verdecchia and Consultant Corey Paquette.