Our Board

BCAIU President

Nikki Macdonald, Ph.D., was appointed President of the BC Association of Institutes + Universities in December 2022. This Association represents a group of public post-secondary institutions that offer a range of post-secondary education, ranging from trades and technical training to master’s degrees in specialty areas. The role of the President is to provide counsel to members on strategies and approaches to government to represent members’ points of view on policy, legislation, or other actions; coordinate research and develop information material to support members’ views or as a response to government requests; forecast and evaluate the effects of public policy on members and keep them informed of developments. …Continued

BCAIU Board Chair

Paul Dangerfield assumed the role of Capilano University’s third president and vice-chancellor on October 1, 2016.

Prior to his role with Capilano University, Paul was the executive director and Vancouver campus dean of the New York Institute of Technology. He was the vice-president of Education, Research and International with British Columbia Institute of Technology from 2009 to 2014, and was dean of Capilano University’s faculty of business and professional studies from 2006 to 2009. …Continued

BCAIU Vice Chair

Dr. Deborah (Deb) Saucier became President and Vice-Chancellor of Vancouver Island University in July 2019. An experienced administrator, accomplished neuroscientist and devoted educator, Saucier is deeply committed to student success, Indigenous education, reconciliation and community engagement. Originally from Saskatoon and a member of the Central Urban Métis Federation, Saucier started her journey in academia on Vancouver Island, completing an International Baccalaureate diploma at the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific in Metchosin, and then bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at the University of Victoria. …Continued

Dr. Joanne MacLean was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley on May 1, 2018. Dr. MacLean is dedicated to leading UFV in its mission of engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community and ensuring UFV’s endeavours are guided by its values, strategic directions, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  As an institution situated on S’olh Temexw, the traditional territory of the Stó:lō people, UFV acknowledges the contributions that Indigenous people have made – and … Continued

Dr. Davis has studied and worked at well-known institutions in the UK, United States and Canada, and has played leadership roles at the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College. Most recently, Dr. Davis held the position of President at State University of New York, Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Dr. Davis has extensive teaching experience at colleges and universities across Western Canada, including Athabasca University, Vancouver Community College, Douglas College and Fraser … Continued

Dr. Jeff Zabudsky has over 30 years of experience within post-secondary and polytechnic leadership roles, both in Canada and internationally. Throughout his career, he has championed applied education as a transformative instrument to enrich lives and contribute to thriving communities.  Continued….

A proven leader in public safety and post-secondary leadership, Len joined JIBC as President and CEO in July 2024, coming full circle from his days as a recruit in the JIBC Police Academy at the start of his distinguished 34-year policing career. With over a decade of governance experience in higher education, Mr. Goerke has served on the Boards of Governors for both JIBC and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). His previous roles include serving as Chief Constable … Continued

Dr. Trish Kelly was appointed President + Vice-Chancellor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in June of 2024, after serving in the interim capacity for one year. Prior to that, she held a series of administrative roles at the institution, including Vice President Academic + Provost (2019-23), and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (2017-19). Kelly holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, an MA from Tufts University, and a BFA from the Rhode Island School of … Continued

NVIT is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Chenoweth as its new President & CEO. Dr. Chenoweth, a member of the Upper Nicola Indian Band (Okanagan Nation) in the Nicola Valley of British Columbia, brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong dedication to serving Indigenous communities. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Chenoweth has worked to advance Indigenous education and has a deep commitment to supporting marginalized people within the educational system. His journey began with his graduation … Continued

Dr. Lesley Brown is an experienced senior academic leader, bringing a decade of leadership experience from two institutions in Alberta. Dr. Brown served as provost and vice president, Academic, at Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary. In this role, she oversaw all facets of educational programming and research at MRU, which evolved into a university in 2009. Under her leadership, Mount Royal University experienced significant growth in student enrolment, faculty research success, and academic programming, including the establishment of a … Continued