Flags are lowered January 29 to February 2, 2026
We regret to inform our university community of the recent passing of Carol Matthews, retired Dean of Human Services and Community Education. Carol died in Nanaimo on December 18, 2025, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.
Carol served in various capacities at our institution, going back to the early 1980s as a community education programmer. She served as the Associate Dean of Instruction for then Malaspina College starting in 1988 and then held the role of Dean of Instruction, Human Services and Community Education until 1999. In the years following she instructed many courses. When she ceased teaching, she continued to be involved in VIU as an Honorary Research Associate.
She was awarded the first Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree from VIU in 2008 and went on to receive the Order of BC in 2012 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for commitment to her local community. The author of five books, Carol won the 2017 Jacob Zilber Prize for Short Fiction.
Carol and her late husband Mike were also longtime VIU Foundation donors. The Carol Matthews Human Services Community Leadership Award endowment has grown to support three separate awards: English, Creative Writing, and Human and Social Services.
Carol’s obituary includes the following description: “Treasured by her family and friends for her creativity, intellect and compassion, Carol was known as a great connector and supporter of others.” Read the full obituary.
Donations may be made in Carol’s name to Wildwood Ecoforest Trust or Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.