President and Vice-Chancellor

Thompson Rivers University

Dr. Airini brings a deep commitment to inclusive education, research for real-world challenges, academic excellence, and community service. She came to Canada as an international student, is a national award-winning educator and researcher in two countries, Fulbright Scholar, and a leader with experience across academic, government, and global agencies.

·        Holds a BA and MEd from the University of Canterbury, an MBA from Massey University, and a Diploma in Teaching from the former Christchurch Teachers College. She completed a certificate in te reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

·        Holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of British Columbia.

·        Served as TRU’s Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work (2014–2018), where she helped launch the internationally renowned Knowledge Makers program, and the pan-university Coyote Project.

·        Most recently, served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at the University of Saskatchewan, a member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities.

In government and international roles, Dr. Airini has contributed to education reform, equity policy, and Indigenous success strategies. She currently advises the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization on global education access and innovation.