Prior to beginning his academic career, he spent ten years working for housing corporations in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
From 1999-2003 he was Vice President for Academic Affairs of Northern State University in South Dakota, where he served the following year as Interim President.
From 2006-07-01 to early June 2008 he was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia. His resignation occurred amidst deep controversy over changes to the university budget and staffing.