A search will begin for a new person to lead Vancouver Island University.
Deborah Saucier, president and vice-chancellor, will step down effective Friday, April 4, after six years in charge of the Nanaimo-based post-secondary educational institution, VIU announced to day in a media release.
VIU stated Saucier did not wish to speak to the media at this time, but she "made the personal decision to step down and requested her contract end early."
As per university policy, Emily Huner, chief financial officer and vice-president of administration, will serve as acting president in the interim, the press release said. A search for an acting president — who will serve a longer term — and a successor, will be conducted.
Saucier came to VIU in 2019, after serving as president of MacEwan University in Edmonton. Recently she had faced criticism in relation to the university's financial situation, including a series of multi-million dollar deficits. VIU is carrying a $9-million deficit in 2024/25, after deficits of $12.6 million in 2023/24 and $11.6 million in 2022/23.
The university previously told the News Bulletin that inflation and enrolment issues were reasons for the dire financial situation.
Earlier this month both VIU students’ and faculty associations called for Saucier to step down, with students citing “severe financial mismanagement, failed capital projects, and a leadership approach that has isolated students, faculty, and staff from decision-making.”
The students’ union’s biggest grievance against Saucier was lack of transparency and not including students in decisions that impacted student life.
“I think for students, it feels like a step in the right direction, but we're not quite celebrating,” said Rachel Swanson, a spokesperson for VIUSU. "We're focused on what comes next, and the real win for us will be when our priorities, like our library access and student services, are brought back fully, and also when we see that the board is going to continue this hiring process in the transparent way that includes student participation.”
Gara Pruesse, VIU Faculty Association president, told the News Bulletin the announcement came as a surprise, adding the association's issues with Saucier echo those of students.
“There's belt-tightening … and the solution that has been put forward by the current administration is to lay off faculty members who deliver courses to students and also services to students, such as counselling and exam accommodation areas, so the decisions to cut in these areas … have been questioned by many of our members, because we don't see similar belt-tightening in other areas of the university,” said Pruesse.
She said the association recognizes these are challenging times for administration, and hopes the B.C. government can provide help.
“There are system-wide problems, and we believe the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills does need to step up in the absence of the international students [whose tuition the whole system has developed reliance on] and the ministry has … substituted the support that they would normally give to post secondary,” said Pruesse. “They've allowed a different revenue stream to take over their responsibility."
In the press release, Saucier said she was proud of her work, saying the university “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, allowing me to step back and focus on family, while taking time to reflect and recharge,” Saucier said in the press release.
During her tenure, Saucier contributed to VIU's first strategic plan and helped it navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Among her accolades, she was conferred with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her work and efforts for post-secondary education in the country.
VIU’s board of governors expressed gratitude for Saucier’s work.
“Her leadership has helped advance the university’s mission and deepen its impact in the region,” Jamie Cassels, board chairperson, said in the press release. “She leaves behind a legacy of progress, innovation and a deep commitment to students and reconciliation.”
The board also expressed confidence in Huner, with Cassels stating she had “a proven track record of institutional leadership and a commitment to inclusive engagement.”
The university said Saucier's resignation won't affect financial planning. The 2025/26 budget is currently in its second draft and is expected to go before the board for approval in June.
VIU said more information about the search for the next president will be forthcoming.
