Carla Alexander

Carla Alexander, MSW, PhD, RSW serves as the VP of Canadian Academic Programs at City University in Canada (CityU), providing leadership for the university's British Columbia campuses. With over 17 years of experience in Canadian higher education, she has held diverse roles including program coordinator, instructor, professor, and associate program director.

Dr. Alexander earned her PhD in Social Work from the University of Calgary (2006-2012), her MSW from the University of British Columbia (2002-2005), and her undergraduate degree in Social Work from McGill University (1994-1997).

Her research focuses on the dynamics of professional-client relationships in social work, particularly examining mutuality and reciprocity. She investigates how social work education and institutional structures impact these relationships, with special attention to inclusive practices for Indigenous students and people with disabilities. Her work spans social work education, interprofessional practice, community development, and ethical considerations in professional relationships.

Dr. Alexander's publication history demonstrates a consistent focus on relational aspects of social work practice, with particular emphasis on reciprocity, mutuality, and ethical boundaries. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing both foundational concepts in social work relationships and practical applications in diverse settings including youth services, substance abuse treatment, and homeless shelter design.

Her leadership extends to fostering interdisciplinary initiatives, liaising with accreditors, and enriching student campus experiences. She brings a strengths-based, relational approach informed by her social work background to her administrative role, focusing on creating sustainable programs in both non-profit and academic settings.