DEBORAH SAUCIER APPOINTED NEXT PRESIDENT OF VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY

Vancouver Island University’s next president and vice-chancellor will be Deborah Saucier.


Saucier, who starts a five-year term on July 4, 2019, is an accomplished neuroscientist, dedicated educator and university administrator with a deep commitment to Indigenous education and reconciliation. Originally from Saskatoon with Métis heritage and connections to Vancouver Island through both her education and her family, Saucier comes to VIU from MacEwan University in Edmonton, where she has served as president since 2017.

“Her passion for student success and employee engagement, her extensive experience as a distinguished researcher and educator in psychology and neuroscience as well as an academic and community leader are impressive,” says VIU Board Chair Makenzie Leine. “For these reasons, along with her own personal connection to Indigenous peoples and commitment to reconciliation, we are excited to welcome Dr. Saucier as our next president.”

Saucier was drawn to VIU by its commitment to student success, teaching quality, supporting a healthy workplace, as well as its proven commitment and track record of serving coastal and Indigenous communities.

“I am so excited to be part of the unique ways that VIU is transforming the communities of coastal British Columbia – allowing people to realize their dreams without having to leave their homes,” says Saucier.

 
Saucier spent many of her formative years on Vancouver Island, completing first an International Baccalaureate diploma at Metchosin-based Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, then bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Victoria. She completed her PhD at Western University. 

Before her current role as MacEwan University’s president, Saucier’s extensive academic career also includes time as a psychology professor, department chair, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, dean, and provost and vice-president at various institutions.

VIU Chancellor Louise Mandell notes Saucier’s experience combined with her knowledge of Indigenous peoples, culture and ways of knowing are the right fit for the VIU presidency.

“Her leadership combines optimism and kindness – qualities important to VIU’s continued success as a regional university making social and cultural changes through transforming the communities we serve,” she says.


Saucier is married to Chai Duncan, a curator and contemporary artist, and they have an 11-year-old daughter. They will relocate to Vancouver Island this summer.

“Returning to the Island feels like the closure of a long journey,” she says. “For my daughter, she is delighted to be able to spend time with her extended family, who are located throughout the Island, exploring the places that I did when I was 10 years old.”

Saucier will succeed Dr. Ralph Nilson, who has served as president of both VIU and its predecessor institution, Malaspina University-College, since 2007 and will complete his final term on June 30, 2019.