UCW CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Transformation from its humble beginnings
WE ARE UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST
Providing top-notch education by faculty who bring valuable industry experience to the classroom.
University Canada West has been committed to providing flexible, high-quality education tailored to student needs. With a focus on accessibility, hands-on learning and continuous support, UCW creates opportunities for students to succeed both in-person and remotely.
UCW FOUNDED
University Canada West is established under the written consent of the BC Minister of Advanced Education. The first president is Dr. David Strong, former president of UVic.
FIRST CAMPUS
UCW signs a lease agreement to take over the old Blanshard School site in Victoria for its first campus.
FIRST STUDENTS / UCW OFFICIALLY OPENS
In September 2005, UCW welcomed its first 19 students. Two weeks later, the MBA program began. In October, the university was officially opened by Minister Murray Coell.
FIRST CONVOCATION
Five students graduate from the MBA program at UCW’s first Convocation.
FIRST VANCOUVER CAMPUS
UCW opens its first campus in Vancouver at 1111 Melville Street.
NEW PROGRAM / VICTORIA CAMPUS CLOSES
In 2011, UCW launched a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication and closed its Victoria campus to focus on Metro Vancouver and online learning. The degree was renamed to Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication in 2016.
UCW MOVES TO WEST PENDER / GUS ACQUIRES UCW
In 2014, UCW relocated to the historic London Building, with 400 students enrolled in both on-campus and online programs. In November, University Canada West was acquired by Global University Systems (GUS).
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
LAUNCH
UCW launched its Associate of Arts undergraduate degree.
VANCOUVER HOUSE CAMPUS OPENS
UCW opened a second Vancouver campus at the state-of-the-art Vancouver House development.
TWO CONVOCATIONS
IN ONE YEAR
For the first time ever, UCW hosts two convocations in one year, with 2,000 students graduating in the summer and 2,500 students graduating in the fall.
MBA GAMES WIN
UCW wins the national MBA Games against 15 other Canadian business schools at Brock University in Ontario. The win came after UCW won the BC MBA Games in December 2023.
UNDERSTANDING INDIGENOUS HISTORY SERIES
UCW produces the six-part Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward, which explores the history of First Nations peoples in Canada and aims to provide a path forward for Truth and Reconciliation in the country.
“At the heart of UCW’s success lies its dedicated faculty and staff, whose unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship has empowered students to reach their fullest potential,” says Dr. Bashir Makhoul, UCW’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Through personalized guidance and hands-on learning experiences, UCW equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Dr. Bashir Makhoul, UCW President and Vice-ChancellorVancouver’s award-winning legacy: The UCW difference in action
As University Canada West commemorates its 20th Anniversary, its journey from Victoria to Vancouver underscores a remarkable evolution into a leading institution in business and technology education. From its inception under Dr. David Strong’s visionary leadership to its current stature as a thriving hub for domestic and international students, UCW’s trajectory reflects resilience, innovation and a steadfast commitment to providing accessible, academically rigorous education.
14,000+
UCW Students
110+
Countries Represented
2
Downtown Campuses
1,100+
Faculty and Staff
Meet Our Leaders
Our leadership team has been instrumental in guiding the university through years of growth and achievement. Their dedication to innovation and academic excellence continues to shape the University’s future. Get to know the individuals who are driving our mission forward.
Dr. Bashir Makhoul
President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Bashir Makhoul brings a unique breadth of experience to his role as President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW. An artist by vocation and training, Dr. Makhoul’s works explore themes of conflict, displacement and identity, and have been featured in top galleries worldwide. Dr. Makhoul joined UCW in October 2023 following a 6½ year term …
Read More
Sheldon Levy
Years active 2021 – 2023
Sheldon Levy served as UCW’s President and Vice-Chancellor from 2021 to 2023. Mr. Levy was previously President and Vice-Chancellor of Ryerson University (now …
Read More
Dr. Brock Dykeman
Years active 2019 – 2021
Dr. Brock Dykeman was President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW from 2019 to 2021. Previously UCW’s VP Academic, he also served as Director of …
Read More
Dr. Arthur Coren
Years active 2012 – 2019
Dr. Arthur Coren served as UCW’s President and Vice-Chancellor from 2012 to 2019. He received his PhD in Education Studies from the …
Read More
Dr. Verna Magee-Shepherd
Years active 2009 – 2012
Dr. Verna Magee-Shepherd served as UCW’s second President from 2009 to 2012. She previously held several roles at BCIT, including Acting President …
Read More
Dr. David Strong
Years active 2004 – 2009
Dr. David Strong was the founder, first President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW from 2004 to 2009. Highly regarded in the fields of geochemical …
Read More
“Our focus is on student success, That means excellent faculty and staff, high levels of support for students, and rigorous and ongoing assessment of all our programming. We’re offering new opportunities for students and a new choice in high-quality university education in Canada.”
Dr. David Strong, UCW Founder & First PresidentOUR CAMPUSES OVER THE YEARS
Our campuses have served as a place of growth and learning for 20 years.
