In the ever-evolving world of business, there exist individuals who defy conventional boundaries, seamlessly blending diverse domains of knowledge and influence. Among these unique trailblazers, we find Professor Emeritus Dr. Deric Bircham, a man of remarkable achievements and a personality that transcends traditional definitions.
With dual citizenship in New Zealand and Great Britain, Dr. Bircham embodies a true global citizen. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Visual Communication, followed by a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) specializing in Psychological Management. His academic voyage took him from the esteemed California University for Advanced Studies in San Francisco, culminating with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Arts and Letters from the Academie Europeenne D’Informatisation in Belgium. In recognition of his immense contributions, he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.(H.C.)) in Business Law from the Southern Eastern University in London.
Dr. Bircham’s journey spans 26 years in the New Zealand Public Service, followed by a tenure at the University of Otago. A shift to Dunedin marked the initiation of his own businesses in Visual Communication, Natural and Complimentary Medicine, and a pivotal role in establishing international organizations. Membership in prestigious professional organizations such as the Royal Photographic Society and the Royal Society of Arts in England reflects his profound influence. Additional honors from organizations in India, New Zealand, and China underline his global reach. He pursued studies in Acupuncture and Reiki, further diversifying his skill set.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Bircham’s accolades are numerous, including the esteemed Albert Einstein Peace Medal, Awards of Excellence in Health Sciences, Education, and Services to Humanity. His status as an Academician in various international institutions further attests to his contributions to academia.
Beginning of a Legacy
Dr. Bircham’s family, originally from Norfolk, England, settled in Bircham in the 12th century. In the 19th century, economic difficulties prompted some Bircham family members to seek new opportunities abroad. Deric Bircham, born on December 16, 1934, in New Zealand, was a lifelong adventurer and artist who desired more than traditional farming.
Dr. Bircham’s life took a significant turn when he married Patricia and pursued his passion for photography, producing a best-selling book titled “Seeing New Zealand.” He later worked for the New Zealand Government and the University of Otago, laying the foundation for his career in education.
Dr. Bircham’s dissatisfaction with the rigid approach of traditional education inspired him to explore alternative methods. However, he encountered resistance from the educational establishment. His interest in distance learning was limited by the inefficiency of global communication at the time.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Dr. Bircham established a successful business in visual communication, specializing in photographic portraits. His work brought him recognition and awards, including fellowships from prestigious societies. His love for nature led him to explore Natural Health Sciences, including acupuncture and Reiki. These interests later influenced the programs of study at Bircham International University.
As technology advanced, Dr. Bircham realized the potential for improvement in distance education. He earned multiple doctorate degrees, became a professor, and lectured in various countries. A fax from a young man named William Martin from Spain in 1996 introduced Dr. Bircham to the idea of establishing a distance learning university. Despite initial skepticism, he saw promise in William’s vision and decided to get involved.
With Laurence Cheng Wen Hung, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and entrepreneur from Taiwan, Bircham University was founded with a strong global presence. Dr. Bircham’s journey was one of exploration, innovation, and a commitment to redefining education through distance learning, ultimately leading to the creation of Bircham International University.
The University
Bircham International University had its beginnings in Oxford, England, initially as a College that embodied the pioneering spirit of the Bircham family. It aimed to provide a unique, multicultural, and multi-language approach to adult higher education. To better meet its goals, the organizational structure of BIU underwent changes. The UK office was closed because William Martin took on a key role in running the institution from Madrid and establishing global partnerships.
Collaborators from various regions, including England, the USA, the Commonwealth, China, the Middle East, and Latin America, joined forces. Under the leadership of Laurence Cheng and William Martin, Deric ensured that the institution adhered to its core values. Many students began enrolling in BIU, embracing its innovative approach to distance learning for adults and professionals.
Recognizing that the traditional educational establishment was unlikely to embrace this unique approach to higher education, this group of highly educated individuals made the decision to create an independent higher education institution committed to maintaining high standards in academics, institutional integrity, and administrative ethics. The idea not only succeeded but also expanded rapidly, with countless testimonials from satisfied students and graduates highlighting the institution’s success.
Today, Bircham International University operates from various offices worldwide, boasts a substantial student body, enjoys a growing reputation outside of traditional academia, and is staffed by a dedicated team of academics and directors.
Ensuring Quality and Integrity in Adult Higher Education
Dr. Bircham is 90 years old as he writes this article. He retired just before becoming involved in the establishment of Bircham International University 25 years ago. Despite wishing he were younger at the time to be more involved in its operational procedures, his role in the institution became crucial for securing its core values and integrity since its inception.
Bircham International University was founded as an independent institution and lacked the expected traditional accreditation of brick and mortar institutions. It was legally conceived and authorized as a non-formal higher education initiative. This legal framework was the only option that allowed the implementation of the unique pedagogical approach designed for adults and professionals, setting BIU apart. Dr. Bircham, William Martin, the staff, and their approach made BIU distinct from other independent institutions.
They were all individuals of high values and integrity, prioritizing quality and ethics over monetary gains. BIU was never primarily about making money but about establishing a new path for adults in higher education. It aimed to challenge the conventional route.
Dr. Bircham uses the analogy of a good wine, highlighting the importance of patience, care, and time. Year after year, they witnessed BIU’s success through graduate feedback, affirming how the institution helped them achieve their goals while allowing them to balance their studies with personal and professional life. This positive feedback confirmed they were on the right path.
Today, Bircham International University is recognized for its educational quality, ranking within top ten institutions in many rubrics. It boasts a dual legal status, combining the best of the two leading higher education systems globally: Europe and the USA.
Approach to Higher Education
“A good education should teach HOW to think rather than WHAT to think.”
Bircham International University distinguishes itself from competitors by offering exceptional distance degree programs with unique features:
More than 270 Majors: BIU provides a wide range of disciplines in its distance learning curricula, ensuring students develop a highly competitive academic and professional profile. The university’s adult degree programs are tailored to align with students’ career objectives and meet employers’ qualification requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning and Experience: BIU’s approach is centered on teaching students what they need to learn, not rehashing what they already know. This foundation enables students to save time, energy, and money. The adult degree programs are practical, engaging, and continuously updated.
Full Compatibility with Life and Work: When students enroll at Bircham International University, they receive the complete distance learning degree program curriculum. This flexibility allows them to organize their study schedule to suit their work and personal life without disruptions.
Effective Distance Learning Higher Education: The requirements for adult degree programs and the associated exams can be completed from home or anywhere convenient to the student. BIU’s approach to distance learning is informed by the latest advancements in psychology and pedagogy, emphasizing critical thinking and comprehension over memorization.
This unique combination of features makes Bircham International University an attractive choice for individuals seeking flexible, practical, and effective higher education programs.
Evolution of Distance Learning
Dr. Bircham reflects on the notion that opportunities are often obscured by challenges, and success rarely comes easy. He believes that no sector offers a straightforward path to wealth and achievement. While things may seem effortless at times, it’s often a fleeting illusion. Preparedness, a continuous questioning of one’s success, and the ability to transform difficulties into opportunities are key. As Seneca wisely said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered perceptions of distance learning. For years, it was considered a second-rate option for those who couldn’t attend a traditional campus. The pandemic, however, revealed the contrary. Distance education not only emerged as a valid formula but also demonstrated an unmatched level of pedagogical effectiveness.
Bircham International University, which initially seemed audacious, faced severe criticism and defamation. Despite this, it remained steadfast in its belief that it was making a difference. BIU forged its own destiny. Today, nearly all the traditional universities that once criticized distance learning have adopted hybrid models that blend old pedagogical systems with the benefits of the online world.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that online education may not suit everyone. It demands significant motivation, willpower, and a sense of responsibility. Bircham International University was a trailblazer in creating a teaching model that amalgamated the strengths of European and North American education systems with the specific needs of adult learners, all while harnessing the advantages of distance learning. With over 25 years of experience, BIU has garnered support from the world’s leading distance education organizations, and its program’s effectiveness is evident in the testimonials of countless students.
Create your destiny!
In Dr. Bircham’s 90-year journey, life wasn’t always easy, filled with struggles and worries. However, these challenges have given him a deeper appreciation for the moments of happiness. With age, he has realized that material possessions, once deemed important, lack true meaning. While money eases life’s path, it doesn’t guarantee happiness. Despite not becoming the millionaire he once aspired to be, he feels incredibly wealthy in experiences, memories, love, and good friends. These are the treasures he can carry beyond this world.
The essence of Dr. Bircham’s legacy lies in the generosity of his heart and the spirit to make a positive difference. Despite some individuals taking advantage of his kindness, he’s learned to remove negative influences without losing his capacity to trust. Trusting William Martin led to the establishment of Bircham International University, a source of immense pride.
Dr. Bircham believes “Love inspires personal growth and the desire to impact the world positively. The mark we leave is defined by our actions and contributions to others.” He finds great satisfaction in witnessing the non-profit nature of BIU, the success of its graduates, and the wisdom that comes with the passage of time.
Starting from a humble family, he rebuilt his life always listening to his heart and intuition, believing in the boundless possibilities. This belief led him to encounters with royalty, global travels, knowledge of natural health and energy practices, true love, a loving family, and friendships across the world. His crowning achievement, Bircham International University, stands as a legacy and a tool for others seeking to shape their destinies.
Wisdom, often seen as advanced common sense, is acquired through experiences and reflection. Dr. Bircham raises the question of whether wisdom comes with age or is a product of accumulated knowledge, leaving that answer for those who reach his age.
Bircham believes in the capacity to shape one’s destiny.
