Biography
Dr. Deborah Saucier was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of Vancouver Island University in July 2019. Dr. Saucier holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a BSc and MSc in psychology from the University of Victoria. She received her International Baccalaureate diploma from the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific in Metchosin, near Victoria.
Prior to joining VIU, Dr. Saucier was President of MacEwan University in Edmonton and Provost and Academic Vice-President of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Dr. Saucier is a distinguished researcher in both psychology and neuroscience. She was the Canadian Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge and Dean of Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and has garnered numerous grants to support her research, including awards from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.
Dr. Saucier is also the author of two books in psychology and an advocate for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
At Vancouver Island University, Dr. Saucier has guided the development and implementation of the institution’s first strategic plan. The plan includes three core values – People, Place and Potential – and six commitments for the next five years. Following the guidance of the plan, Dr. Saucier is working to build on the institution’s strengths and fostering the unique educational experience at VIU to be more accessible, more inclusive, and more deeply rooted in community.
Born in Saskatoon, Dr. Saucier is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. In 2020, she was awarded the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. As president of Vancouver Island University, Dr. Saucier is focused on helping to close the education gap for Indigenous youth and working to incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and the TRC Calls to Action into institutional decision making by implementing both policy and physical changes on campus to ensure that Indigenous cultures and knowledges are reflected in campus spaces.
Dr. Saucier is married to curator and contemporary artist Chai Duncan and has a teenage daughter.
Dr. Deborah Saucier
Vancouver Island University's President Dr. Deb Saucier says her first hello to the community.
Three Things
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
As we approach Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this important day and how we can each contribute to the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
Read MoreWelcome to the Fall 2024 Semester
As we embark on another academic year at Vancouver Island University, I’m delighted to welcome back our returning students and employees, and to greet those joining us for the first time.
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National Indigenous History Month
In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and, on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. This month, we celebrate the cultures, languages, knowledges, histories and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
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June is Pride Month
June is Pride Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community’s voices, culture, and rights. Today, we started the month with a Pride flag raising and Show Your Pride event at the Royal Bank Plaza.
Read MoreRecognizing Asian Heritage Month
May marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month here at VIU and across Canada.
Read MoreInternational Women's Day
On International Women’s Day, I am proud to share my appreciation for the remarkable contributions of women here at Vancouver Island University and beyond.
Read MoreFebruary is Black History Month
As we usher in February, VIU proudly recognizes and celebrates Black History Month. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals in our community, our nation, and across the globe.
Read MorePresident’s message on the crisis in the Middle East
This week marks the start of WorldVIU Days, an event for our entire campus to celebrate the diversity of cultures and traditions at VIU. Indeed, WorldVIU days comes at a time when our world feels incredibly divided.
Read MoreStatement on the war in the Middle East
Vancouver Island University is deeply saddened by the outbreak of war in the Middle East and the tragic loss of lives in Israel and Palestine. We recognize these events are distressful and a cause for concern among members of our university community.
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