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.