Dr. Nathan Matthew, Chancellor Emeritus

Matthew is one of Canada’s most-respected advocates for Indigenous education. A member of the Simpcw First Nation and former Kúkwpi7 (chief), he was a senior negotiator for First Nations education in BC, playing a key role in advancing education jurisdiction legislation. In 2006, Matthew received an honorary doctorate from TRU and he joined the university as its inaugural executive director of Aboriginal Education. For the next eight years, he oversaw numerous successful efforts to indigenize the campus and curriculum.

For his advocacy in education, Matthew was recognized nationally with the Indspire Award for Education in 2017. His belief in the power of education to change lives and communities continued to inspire colleagues and students at TRU in his role as chancellor from 2018 to 2024. The first Indigenous person in that role at TRU, Matthew taught the university community about Secwépemc values through his example. TRU values his wisdom and guidance as chancellor emeritus.

Dr. Peter Murphy, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Peter Murphy began his career at TRU in 1990 as a professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages. During this period, he made significant scholarly contributions in two main areas: four book-length studies of Samuel Beckett’s fiction and his aesthetic philosophy (two with University of Toronto Press), as well as five books on prison literature, prison education and Canadian sentencing policies (three with New Star Press, Vancouver). His teaching record is exemplary and extensive, including the Teaching Excellence Award in 2000. He is co-director with Dr. Jennifer Murphy of the Anthony Martin BC Penitentiary Collection, which is jointly located in the Old Courthouse in Kamloops and in the TRU library. His work in progress, Beckett and Prisons: A Memoir of Sorts, aims to bring together his two primary areas of research. Dr. Peter Murphy’s positive impact will continue to echo throughout TRU and the Kamloops community.

Dr. Robert Hood, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Robert Hood, associate professor, retired in 2020 following a 20-year career at TRU. Prior to TRU, Hood’s studies included land surveying at BC Institute of Technology, physical education at University of Calgary (BPE) and recreation /leisure at University of Illinois (MSc and PhD). While at TRU, Hood exercised his leadership style through teaching, research and service. He served as Tourism Management Department chair (2006-2014) and received the TRU Chair Leadership Award 2015. Hood practiced community research, and secured funding through 2010 and 2011 aimed at diversifying rural economies through tourism combined with hosting BC Rural Tourism Conferences to showcase case studies and research involving TRU students and rural BC partners. He served as interim dean of FACT (2014-2017). Dr. Rob Hood will be remembered for his unique contribution to tourism education, undergraduate and graduate student mentorship, and ability to integrate teaching and research with regional rural communities.

Dr. Nancy Flood, Professor Emerita

Dr. Nancy Flood is an award-winning educator who has inspired students and colleagues since joining the Department of Biological Sciences in 1991. Through teaching and research mentorship, Flood has influenced many students’ career choices and their success as scientists and teachers. She has mentored colleagues in teaching and learning, and built a community of scholarly teachers. Her impressive scholarship includes numerous peer-reviewed scientific and pedagogical publications, technical reports, book chapters and species accounts in prestigious works such as The Birds of North America. Flood has served on TRU committees dedicated to student success, academic integrity and environmental stewardship, and led her colleagues as department co-chair. For over three decades, Flood has donated her nearly boundless energy and expertise to organizations and events, including the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the BC Special Olympics, the Federation of BC Naturalists and Wells Gray Provincial Park. TRU will continue to benefit well into the future from Dr. Nancy Flood’s leadership and mentorship as professor emerita.

Dr. Wendy McKenzie, Professor Emerita

Dr. Wendy McKenzie has been teaching in TRU's nursing program since 2001 and has been a leading expert in nursing education since 1977. Her path to higher education began with a Master of Science in Nursing from UBC and a EdD from the University of Calgary. During her 21-year tenure at TRU, she has served on numerous committees — from local to international — and made significant contributions to the community promoting disaster nursing skills and global health practices. McKenzie established a clinical field school in Lesotho for TRU nursing students and was crucial in developing the simulation labs in the Chappell Family Building for Nursing and Population Health. Additionally, she served as a chair for the Nursing Wellness and Social Committee in 2017, accepted the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and has received numerous honorary awards across Canada. Dr. Wendy McKenzie’s work to advance nursing locally and globally embodies TRU’s commitment to creating stronger communities.