Quest University officials this week announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel R. Birch as the university's incoming chancellor.
Birch, who has a PhD from the University of California-Berkeley, most recently served as academic vice-president and provost at the University of British Columbia for 12 years. That came before he took early retirement and went to work for Janet Wright and Associates, a top executive search firm in the public and not-for-profit sectors. In that capacity he spent a decade recruiting leaders across the country.
Birch, who will replace founding Quest chancellor Dr. David Strangway, will undergo his investiture at the university's second commencement ceremony on April 28. He will serve a three-year term.
Dr. Birch's appointment is reflective of Quest's commitment to educational excellence, Ian Worland, Quest University board chair, said in a statement issued on Wednesday (April 11). He will provide invaluable counsel as the university moves from its start-up phase to take its place among the leading post-secondary institutions of Canada.
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 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.
Said Birch, 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, said Birch. 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.
