Quest University Appoints New Chancellor

By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: April. 13, 2012

Quest University has appointed Dr. Daniel R. Birch as the university’s chancellor.

A British Columbia native, Dr. Birch received his Bachelor of Arts (Classical Studies and English) and Masters (History) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the PhD from the University of California at Berkeley.

He taught briefly at Berkeley before returning to BC where he spent his career in a variety of leadership roles, first as dean, and the associate vice president of Simon Fraser University. He also served as the dean of the faculty of Education, and subsequently, the academic vice-president and provost of the University of British Columbia, a post he held for twelve years.

Following an early retirement from UBC, Dr. Birch joined Janet Wright and Associates, Canada’s leading executive search firm in the public and not-for-profit sectors, and spent a decade recruiting leaders from coast to coast.

For six years he co-chaired the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer and is an active consultant to the Degree Quality Assessment Board of the Ministry of Advanced Education.

“I cannot imagine a more exciting institution with which to be associated – creative and adventurous students, outstanding leaders and faculty, an integrative curriculum and pedagogy, a spectacular campus,” Birch said.

“Quest is already making its mark and becoming known all over the world. I am delighted at the opportunity to be a part of it!”

“We are thrilled and honoured to have someone of Dr. Birch’s unmatched experience agree to serve as the Chancellor of our young institution,” said Dr. David J. Helfand, Quest’s President.

“His wealth of knowledge in all aspects of higher education will be instrumental as we continue to grow our faculty and student body, and to work toward our goal of providing the most innovative, effective, and engaging undergraduate education in North America.”

Dr. Birch will succeed Quest’s Founding Chancellor, Dr. David Strangway, FRSC, OC, and will serve a three-year term. His investiture will take place during the Commencement Ceremonies for Quest’s second graduating class on April 28.