University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, is the only university in the province and a public, non-denominational institution established in 1969. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century, beginning with Kent College in 1804, which later became Central Academy and received a Royal Charter in 1834. In 1860, the colleges were renamed in honor of the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII. UPEI’s direct predecessors were St. Dunstan’s University, founded in 1855, and Prince of Wales College, founded in 1860. These two institutions operated separately for over a century, reflecting the province’s Roman Catholic and Protestant communities, until they were merged by the government of Alex Campbell in 1969 to create a unified provincial university. The merger aimed to integrate the Island’s two religious communities and consolidate higher education within the province. Following the merger, Holland College was created to replace the educational role previously served by Prince of Wales College. The UPEI campus occupies the former St. Dunstan’s University site, while St. Dunstan’s retains its charter and Prince of Wales College’s former lands became the campus for Holland College. Elizabeth Rollins Epperly, the first student to enroll at UPEI, would later go on to become the university’s president. Over the years, UPEI has grown as an important institution for higher education in Prince Edward Island, maintaining a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the university received a $500,000 grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Immunization Partnership Fund to develop and implement the Island Vaccine Education Program. This initiative aimed to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among vulnerable families, reflecting UPEI’s ongoing commitment to public health and community support. Today, UPEI continues to serve as a central hub for learning, research, and social development in the province, building on its rich historical roots while addressing modern educational and societal needs.