Quest University Canada was established as Canada’s first independent, non-profit, secular liberal arts and sciences University. The foundation of Quest was spearheaded by David Strangway, a renowned physicist and academic leader, who, after concluding his presidency at the University of British Columbia in 1997, sought to innovate undergraduate learning. Strangway’s vision materialized into a unique educational model that emphasized individualized, immersive study, diverging from traditional disciplinary boundaries to foster a more holistic and contemplative academic experience.
Despite the university’s innovative approach, Quest faced perennial financial challenges. These financial strains ultimately led to the University’s decision to suspend operations at the termination of the 2022/23 academic year. During its hibernation phase, the University continues to offer a select number of courses, with the Board actively laying plans for a strategic rebuild aimed at transforming the institution into a more sustainable and resilient entity for the future.
Accreditation
Quest University was given the authority to grant degrees from the Province of British Columbia by the Sea to Sky University Act passed in 2002.
Quest University was accredited by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) under the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education in 2006, a status renewed in 2011 and 2016 following rigorous reviews of policies and programs.
Quest is registered as a British Columbia Education Quality Assurance (EQA) approved post-secondary institution. The EQA is a quality assurance designation that identifies BC public and private post-secondary institutions that have met or exceeded provincial government recognized quality assurance standards and offer consumer protection.
Board of Governors
