About King's
Founded in 1954, King’s University College at Western University is a Catholic, liberal arts university college affiliated with a large, world class university. King’s students enjoy “The Best of Both Worlds” - small classes led by outstanding faculty on a small, beautiful campus while enjoying the experiences of being part of a comprehensive university. King’s students have complete access to all the facilities and services at Western University and graduate with a Western degree. As a Catholic university, King’s emphasizes the value of each individual and the importance of social justice. Students from all faiths and backgrounds are most welcome. Respect for the human person is behind our commitment to diversity, accessibility, social justice and to building the common good. An inclusive, supportive community is one of King's greatest strengths.
King’s is recognized, both nationally and internationally, for its excellent academic programs, generous scholarships and comprehensive student services. Offering degree programs in the arts, social sciences, management and social work [both BSW (honors) and MSW], King’s is home to approximately 3500 full and part time students from across Canada as well as 35 other countries.
Mission Statement
Our Mission
King's is a Catholic University College committed to the ongoing creation of a vital academic community animated by a Christian love of learning and the pursuit of truth. The College strives to foster an environment based on open inquiry, Christian values and service to the larger community.
Office of The Principal
David Sylvester is the 8th Principal of King’s University College. Appointed in July 2009, Dr. Sylvester also holds an appointment as associate professor in the department of History at King’s. He came to King’s after a decade of service as President of Corpus Christi College, and as Principal of St. Mark’s College at the University of British Columbia.
A social-economic historian, Dr. Sylvester’s area of research focuses on the nature of community in the middle ages, with a particular interest in medieval port towns, shipping, trade and piracy. He holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Medieval History from Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York City. He continues to publish on the medieval confederacy of English port towns known as the Cinque Ports. Dr. Sylvester has taught in the departments of history at the University of British Columbia, Corpus Christi College, Fordham University, and Trinity Western University.
In 2000, Dr. Sylvester was appointed the founding President of Corpus Christi College, the Catholic liberal arts college at the University of British Columbia. In 2005, he was also appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mark’s College, the Catholic theological college affiliated with U.B.C. While in British Columbia, Dr. Sylvester served on the provincial Degree Quality Assessment Board, the B.C. Council on Admissions and Transfer, as a director of Catholic Family Services and on the board of Vancouver College, a K-12 school founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. He is the immediate past chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada (ACCUC).
In 2012, Dr. Sylvester was elected the Canadian representative to the Board of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities based in Washington, D.C.
