Leadership

Dr. Bashir Makhoul brings a unique breadth of experience to his role as President and Vice-Chancellor of UCW. An artist by vocation and training, Dr. Makhoul’s works explore themes of conflict, displacement and identity, and have been featured in top galleries worldwide. Dr. Makhoul joined UCW in 2023 following a 6½ year term as President and Vice-Chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the United Kingdom, where he spearheaded the creation of the UK’s first Business School for the Creative Industries. Under his leadership, UCA was named Modern University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2019. Dr. Makhoul shares UCW’s “commitment to providing high-quality education” and draws on his global experience in academia to lead the University in providing innovative courses and programs.

Dr. Mazi Shirvani joins University Canada West as the new interim Vice President, Academic. The distinguished mathematician completed both his BSc and PhD degrees at Queen Mary University of London. Following his doctoral studies, he embarked on a postdoctoral fellowship before joining the General Electric Co. of Britain's Advanced Research Lab from 1985 to 1987, working on neural networks and associative memories. In 1987, Dr. Shirvani moved to work in academia, joining the Department of Mathematics at the University of Alberta. Over three decades, he dedicated himself to teaching, research and administrative work, including significant labour relations duties. He retired as an emeritus professor in December 2018. Throughout his tenure, he served in various leadership roles, including Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research from 2008 to 2015, and chair of the Board of Trustees of the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP) from 2007 to 2009. His research interests spanned Algebra and Applied Mathematics, with a focus on division rings, linear groups, combinatorial algebra and coagulation theory. After a hiatus during his decanal term, he returned to the algebraic problem of the classification of finite groups with a projective representation of prime degree over a division ring. The complete solution, likely to run to several hundred pages, will be published as a mathematical monograph. He has taught a diverse array of graduate and undergraduate mathematics courses, earning recognition such as the Faculty of Science Teaching Award in 2003 and the University of Alberta's prestigious Rutherford Award.

Biography: Sitora Azimova serves as UCW Vice President, Administration, where she champions operational excellence and strategic collaboration across the University. She leads efforts to optimize resources, ensure budget compliance and enhance institutional efficiency, all while aligning operations with strategic goals. With extensive experience in process improvement and budget management, Sitora has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering innovation. Her leadership approach centres on transparency, teamwork and continuous improvement. A passionate mentor, she is dedicated to guiding professionals worldwide toward personal and professional growth.

Biography: Herneet is responsible for human resources, policy and procedures, and executive support at University Canada West. She has an extensive background working in education, administration and private equity groups. Educated in Canada and the United Kingdom, she taught for several years before moving into administration at private equity firm Cabot Square Capital. After returning to Canada in 2011, she started working in private education and joined UCW in 2014. Her portfolio includes a variety of responsibilities ranging from Human Resources and Compensation to Strategic Planning and Initiatives.

Komil Mamajanov is the Vice-President of Strategic Development at University Canada West (UCW). He leads the growth and innovation initiatives of the university and oversees the recruitment of a diverse and talented student body. He has over 15 years of experience in international higher education globally through working in leadership roles with various institutions in UK, Germany, US and Canada. He is passionate about technology innovation and social impact in education. He is a frequent speaker and presenter at various industry events and seminars. Komil holds a Triple Accredited MBA degree from Grenoble Ecole de Management (France) and a BA degree in Linguistics from Samarkand State University of Foreign Languages.

Biography: Midya is a marketing and branding professional who brings more than a decade of experience in post-graduate and language training sectors. She has worked with various Canadian institutions to create their brand identities and build upon their strengths. Before joining UCW, Midya served as Director of Marketing at Langara Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) in Vancouver. Midya has also worked at ICEF, a global leader in international student recruitment events and services. Prior to joining ICEF, she had a marketing and communication role at one of the largest civil engineering companies in Canada where she managed national marketing initiatives and communication strategies across 23 locations throughout Canada. Midya also worked at VGC International College and Thompson Rivers University.