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Biography
Douglas College President
Dr. Scott McAlpine
Scott McAlpine, President of Douglas College, graduated with an Honours B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1980, an M.A (also from WiIfrid Laurier) in 1982, and a PhD from the University of Calgary in 1994.
Shortly after joining Douglas College as President in August 2009, Dr. McAlpine embarked on the development of a new strategic plan. This plan, entitled Pathways to Success, sets the vision for the College at 2015 as the largest and most progressive baccalaureate degree granting College in British Columbia. To achieve this, Douglas is building new programs, expanding enrolments, embarking on a vigorous internationalization initiative, and putting students first within an environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and financially accountable framework.
Prior to joining Douglas College, Dr. McAlpine’s academic career included many years teaching Economics and Political Science. His administrative career included serving in positions of Departmental Chair, Dean, and Acting Vice-President Academic at Grande Prairie Regional College in Northern Alberta, where he was also heavily involved in applied research and community activity. Dr. McAlpine has also taught courses for the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and Athabasca University.
Since joining Douglas, Dr. McAlpine has made numerous presentations to community groups and conferences including papers on urban gentrification and its social implications, internationalization in post-secondary education, demographic shifts and challenges in lower mainland BC, and the role of applied research at Canadian Colleges. He also maintains active research interests in accessibility to post-secondary education, value change in western societies, and social cohesion.
A current member of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) Presidents’ Science, Technology and Innovation Committee and Chair of the BCcampus Strategic Advisory Council, Dr. McAlpine has previously served on the boards of many community agencies and organizations. Born in Waterloo, Ontario, Dr. McAlpine has two adult sons, Matthew and Cameron. He and his partner Louise live in New Westminster.
