MacEwan University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Grant MacEwan University, commonly referred to as MacEwan University, is a public university situated in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The institution traces its origins to 1971, when it was established as Grant MacEwan Community College, named in honor of Dr. J. W. Grant MacEwan, a respected author, educator, and the ninth Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The college was created by the Government of Alberta to address the demand for college-level programs emphasizing career development. Initially, it offered one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs to prepare students for the workforce. In 1988, the institution received approval to provide university transfer credits, marking its first step toward becoming a degree-granting institution. By 2004, the college had attained accreditation to offer baccalaureate degrees, reflecting its growth and commitment to higher education.On September 24, 2009, the institution officially transitioned into a university, becoming Alberta’s sixth university under the Post-Secondary Learning Act, and was renamed Grant MacEwan University. While the official legal name remains Grant MacEwan University, the institution rebranded itself as MacEwan University in 2013 for marketing and public communication purposes. In February 2019, it was formally recognized as an Undergraduate University within Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act. Today, MacEwan University encompasses six faculties and schools and offers nearly 60 programs, including baccalaureate degrees, certificates, diplomas, post-diplomas, and university transfer programs, serving a diverse student population and providing a broad spectrum of academic and professional opportunities.The university has had eight presidents since its founding. John Haar served from 1971 to 1981, followed by Gerald O. Kelly (1981–1996), Harry Davis (1996), Paul J. Byrne (1997–2011), David W. Atkinson (2011–2017), Deborah Saucier (2017–2019), John McGrath (2019–2020), and currently, Annette Trimbee, who has held the position since 2020. Under their leadership, MacEwan University has evolved from a career-focused community college into a comprehensive undergraduate institution recognized for its academic quality and student-focused approach.