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History of The King's University

The King's University is built on over 40 years of God's faithfulness, dedication and passion from a selfless supporting community, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Learn about some the key landmarks in King's growth into the university it is today.

2010–2019

  • King's Centre for Teaching and Learning opens in 2019 with dedicated writing and testing facilities, additional student work space, and a new career centre.
  • A 4-year Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program is launched in Fall 2017.
  • In 2015, Premier and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, Dave Hancock grants permission for The King's University to change its name from "university college" to "university." On November 27, the Alberta Legislature reads the private bill presenting the name change and on December 9, The King's University College formally becomes 'The King's University' upon the bill receiving royal assent.
  • King's business program receives a $12 million dollar funding boost thanks to record breaking donations from the Leder Charitable Foundation, Jim and Magda Dykstra Family, Ralph J and Jane Bruinsma Family, and Fred Johannesen Family in 2014.
  • Construction of the Gerry Segger Heritage Collection and Tower Suites is completed.
  • King's fourth president, Dr. Melanie J. Humphreys, is inaugurated in 2013.
  • King’s signs a historic agreement with Newman Theological College in the spring of 2013. The agreement allows students of King's Bachelor of Education program to take the religious education courses necessary to teach in the Catholic school system at Newman after graduating.
  • In 2011, King’s Environmental Studies (ENVS) program is granted professional accreditation from Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada. King’s is the first post-secondary institution in Canada to receive this now standard professional recognition.

2000–2009

1990–1999

  • Before the end of the decade, the university launches 4-year degree programs in environmental studies, psychology, and English.
  • During the summer of 1997, the university develops its campus grounds with the construction of a naturalized dry pond (swale) lowered soccer pitch, and numerous trees and shrubs.
  • King's debuts the B.Ed in Elementary Education in 1994, the first after-degree offered by the university.
  • King's purchases the Capilano Motor Inn, Alberta Liquor Control Commission building, and surrounding grounds in 1989 and conducts a massive retrofit of the existing structure. The building is dedicated in September 1993 as King's permanent campus, and opens its doors to a record 450 students.
  • The King's College is re-designated as The King's University College by the Government of Alberta.

1980–1989

  • King's is granted the right to offer its first accredited degree in 1987; a 3-year Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in a number of disciplines. For the first time, four students receive a degree upon graduation.
  • As a further endorsement of the work happening at The King's College, in 1985, the Alberta government begins providing King's with annual funding. That same year, Dr. Henk Van Andel is inaugurated as King's second president.
  • On November 2, 1983, King's signs an official affiliation agreement with the University of Alberta ensuring that the vast majority of courses at King's transfer automatically. This agreement is later replaced with an Alberta wide transfer agreement through Campus Alberta Quality Council.
  • In 1982, the college begins introducing several diploma programs in the arts, church music, commerce, and science, as well as certificate in religious education.
  • Rapid growth forces King's to move to a new home on 97 street in time for the start of classes in September 1981. By September 1983, four years later, student enrollment has doubled.

1970–1979

  • King's first president, Rev. Sidney DeWaal, is inaugurated in 1979. The college opens with 55 courses in the arts, social sciences, and biology.
  • The Wawanesa Building in Edmonton is dedicated as the first home for The King's College and the first year of classes begin with 63 full-time students and 12 part time students.
  • The Christian College Association Alberta overwhelmingly votes to proceed with opening 'The King's College' in September 1979. The campus is comprised of rented space in the Wawanesa Building.
  • Throughout the 70's, various development papers and strategic documents are formed, debated, and adopted. The King's College begins to take shape on paper.
  • The initial brainstorming group incorporate under the name of the Christian College Association (Alberta) in 1970. The group drafts an initial constitution and statement of principles for the corporation and formulates a written expression of their vision for Christian higher education.