President and vice-chancellor of Vancouver Island University Dr. Deborah Saucier (centre) has announced she is stepping down from her role effective April 4. Photo is from a ceremony held by Snuneymuxw First Nation in November 2019 following her installation. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

change in leadership

VIU president steps down amid growing calls for her resignation

Mar 27, 2025 | 12:50 PM

NANAIMO — The president and vice-chancellor of Vancouver Island University (VIU) is stepping down, effective April 4.

In a Thursday, March 27 release, the University stated Dr. Deborah Saucier made the decision to leave the post after six years in the leadership role. In the statement, Saucier said she’s proud of what she was able to accomplish during her time at the helm of VIU.

“I count myself fortunate to have worked with a community so dedicated to VIU’s mission. We have celebrated many accomplishments – from supporting students to strengthening our ties with Indigenous communities. After six years, I believe this is the right time for a leadership transition.”

Saucier had been facing mounting pressure from VIU students, staff and faculty to step down amid growing financial pressures.

Changes to international student recruitment numbers were among many factors impacting VIU’s bottom line, and a number of courses and programs had been cut over recent years in an attempt to balance the budget.

mechanical difficulties

Steering issue adjusts Nanaimo-Vancouver ferry service

A few moments ago

in-community sentence

Man avoids jail for 2022 hit-and-run on Lantzville couple and dogs

4h ago

huge donation

Vital search and rescue equipment donated in Nanaimo for remote coastal First Nations

Mar 30, 2025

The Vancouver Island University Students Union made repeated calls for change over the last three weeks, including a united front with the school’s faculty on Thursday.

They cited in a statement “severe financial mismanagement, failed capital projects, and a leadership style that excludes students, staff, and faculty from institutional decision-making,” as reasons for Saucier to tender her resignation.

VIUSU added the university is facing a severe financial crisis and has cut several major service projects recently, including student housing, childcare, and other academic systems which have failed or stalled under her administration.

“VIU’s President has taken no accountability for the decisions that led to this crisis. She has no plan for repair and no inclusive vision for rebuilding,” Leah Vaisanen, VIUSU Indigenous student representative, said in the statement. “Indigenous students, along with many others, have been shut out of every conversation that should include us. That’s not leadership.”

The VIU Board of Governors, who were set to meet Monday, March 31, have appointed VIU’s chief financial officer and vice-president of administration Emily Huner as acting president as of April 5.

The Board will then begin the recruitment process for a longer-term acting president and the eventual successor.

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook