Our History

A History of Quality Education Since 1866

For 160 years, Willis College has evolved alongside the workforce, adapting its programs, teaching methods and campuses to meet the changing needs of students and employers while remaining true to one purpose: preparing graduates for real careers.

Our story began in 1866, when J.M. Musgrove founded Ottawa Business College in Ottawa, Ontario. Also known as Musgrove’s College, it was established to provide practical business education at a time when Canada’s economy was rapidly growing. Students learned the practical skills employers needed at the time, including bookkeeping, commercial correspondence, penmanship, and other business skills.

As the institution grew, it evolved with the changing business landscape. In 1884, the college was sold and renamed National Business College, marking the beginning of a series of changes that reflected new industries, new technologies, and new opportunities for students. 

In 1903, Stephen T. Willis founded Willis Business College, establishing another respected business school in Ottawa. Over the following decades, the histories of Ottawa Business College and Willis Business College became closely connected. In 1945, S.T. Willis acquired Ottawa Business College, then operating once again under its original name after periods as both National Business College and Gowling College. Following Willis’s passing in 1948, the two institutions briefly operated separately before officially uniting as Willis Business College in 1961, bringing together nearly a century of educational history. 

In 1989, ownership transitioned to Rima Aristocrat, who led the modernization of the College’s curriculum while preserving its long-standing commitment to vocational excellence. This continued a tradition of ensuring graduates entered the workforce with relevant, employer-focused skills. By 2011, the modern name of Willis College was established.

In 2017, Willis College honoured its long-standing commitment to Canada’s military community by launching the Veterans Friendly Transition Program. Developed in partnership with George Sparks, a Willis College graduate from the Class of 1936 and a Second World War Veteran, the program was created to help veterans successfully transition into meaningful civilian careers. Today, that commitment continues through our dedicated Military and Veterans Support Team. 

A new chapter began in 2020. Under the leadership of President and CEO Henry Devlin, Willis College expanded its academic offerings, embraced flexible learning models, and invested in innovative ways to help students succeed in an evolving workforce.

In 2026, Willis College entered another defining chapter by uniting with CBBC Career College. Founded in Sydney, Nova Scotia, in 1958, CBBC spent nearly seven decades preparing students for careers across Atlantic Canada. What began as a business and secretarial college grew into one of Nova Scotia’s leading private career colleges, expanding into healthcare, education, and beauty while serving more than 25,000 alumni across campuses in Sydney, Halifax, and Dartmouth.

Together, these two institutions represent more than 225 years of combined educational history. United under the Willis College name, they continue a shared tradition of practical, career-focused education while expanding access to flexible learning opportunities for students in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Today, Willis College serves students across Canada through in-person, hybrid, and online learning. The classrooms have changed, the technology has changed, the careers have changed. Our purpose has not. We remain committed to preparing students for what comes next.