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….

Dr. Kelly was appointed Interim President June 1, 2023 and takes on the interim role following  four years of service as ECU’s Vice-President Academic + Provost. She says she looks forward to furthering the crucial work led by President Siddall during her five-year tenure. Dr. Siddall’s leadership on priorities including advancing institutional decolonization, climate action and the university’s new strategic plan have ushered in an exciting time of change for ECU, she says. Dr. Kelly remains committed to working closely with … Continued

Prior to his appointment as President, Michel served as VP Academic at JIBC since September 2009. He previously served in several capacities at Douglas College, including the position of Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. As Dean, he was actively engaged in building partnerships between post-secondary educational institutions inter-provincially related to graduate education in psychiatric nursing. He serves on a variety of committees with professional and regulatory bodies, as well as two international boards (European Psychiatric Nursing Advisory Board; and the … Continued

Ken Tourand is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology – BC’s Aboriginal Post Secondary Institution. Ken started with NVIT in 1995 as a faculty member and has also taught for Simon Fraser University. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from SFU and a masters degree in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University. Ken is passionate about aboriginal education.

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

Leanne was appointed as Manager, Office of the President of the BC Association of Institutes + Universities in February 2012. 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 masters degrees in specialty areas. The role of the Manager is to provide confidential advice to the President on matters of policy, relationship management and any other aspects of the BCAIU, to coordinate communications between the member … Continued