The President is a faculty member who serves the Board of Governors as the Chief Executive Officer of the College. The Principal is ultimately responsible for all operations of the College and provides a quarterly report on the work of the College at each meeting of the Board.
The following officers report directly to the Principal:
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The Dean
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The Executive Director of Finance and Administration
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The Director of External Relations
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The Director of GreenHouse
The current President is Dr Tracy Penny Light, who joined United College on July 1, 2026 after most recently serving as Interim Vice-President, Academic & Provost, and Dean of Arts & Sciences at Capilano University in British Columbia. Tracy holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Waterloo and began her academic teaching, research, and administrative career at UW.
She brings extensive senior leadership experience in higher education, with a strong background in teaching, research, student success, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Her passion is teaching and she is known for her student-centred and values-driven approach. She looks forward to offering learning opportunities that align with United College’s mission to advance academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement.
Past Principals
- Richard Myers (2016-2026)
- Graham Brown (1999–2016)
- Helga Mills (1994-1999)
- William Klassen (1989-1994)
- François Gerard (1978-1988)
- Alan M. McLachlin (1965-1977)
- Douglas J. Hall (1962-1965)