It is a wonderful honour for me to serve Quest University Canada in the role of Chancellor. It was my pleasure to spend some time on campus last week, speaking to a group by the fireside in the atrium and having lunch with some faculty members. I have been impressed with the warm hospitality I’ve received each time I have visited Quest.
Many of you were curious about the role of Chancellor. Most are unclear about the detailed roles of the administrators that are responsible for leading the institution. The Chancellor is the titular head of the University. The only functional role of the Chancellor is to confer the degrees to the graduates. This is the case in Canadian and British universities. In the United States, the title is sometimes given to the functional head, or chief executive – equivalent to our president. In many universities, the Chancellor is invited or voted on to the Board of Governors and the academic governing body. This would be the Senate or in the case of Quest University, the Academic Council. I have yet to join the Board of Governors at Quest.
The reason for jumping at the chance to join Quest University Canada as Chancellor was just that, joining this wonderful university. Quest is unique in the world of postsecondary education in Canada. David Strangway’s vision to create a private, not-for-profit, secular university using the block format for its pedagogical framework was brilliant. Quest University remains fresh and bold in the Canadian academy. When I asked David Strangway about who was being bold enough to come to study and work at this new university? His reply was “George, you’d be surprised at the number of brilliant young people who are willing to join us, to try something new and exciting. “
So, I’d like to thank you, each of you, in welcoming me as Chancellor of our University. We have a wonderful Interim President and a committed Board of Governors. I know personally, that the Ministry of Advanced Education recognizes the special nature of Quest University Canada and wishes to see us succeed. This is a special opportunity for the strength of each of you, and us collectively, to shine. I am committed to do everything I can towards the successful recruitment of a new President, to work with the Interim President in whatever way I can, and to work with the Board of Governors. This is our university, with all its challenges as well as its promise and potential. Thank you for opening your arms and welcoming me.
George Iwama
17 May 2017