Creative Writing Instructor Susan Juby Receives National Appointment

Nanaimo-based author and Vancouver Island University (VIU) instructor Susan Juby has been appointed by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) to a new national group of academics representing the emerging generation of scholarly, scientific and artistic leadership in Canada.

Juby, who teaches in the Department of Creative Writing and Journalism, joins a group of 91 academics appointed to the newly-formed College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, nominated by 51 Canadian universities and the National Research Council.

“We are thrilled to learn of Susan’s appointment to this prestigious group of Canadian thought leaders appointed by the Royal Society of Canada – it is very well deserved. Her intellectual strength will be an asset in this new collective of strong young scholars,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice Chancellor, and Juby’s nominator.

Juby is widely acclaimed as an innovator in the field of young adult fiction, and has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her writing. Her first novel, Alice, I Think, was published in 2000 and made into a 13-part television series in 2006; she followed this highly acclaimed young adult novel with a further two chronicling the life and times of teen Alice Macleod in small town Smithers, BC, where Juby herself spent the early part of her life.

 Juby’s most recent novel, The Woefield Poultry Collective, was nominated for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and was her first novel published specifically for adults. She is currently at work on a sequel, titled The Republic of Dirt, due out in January 2015, as well as a new teen novel, The Truth Commission, due in March 1015.

 Ross MacKay, Dean of Arts and Humanities, supported Juby’s nomination, and added his congratulations on her appointment, which is a seven-year term.

“Susan is well deserving of this honour – she is a fine writer, an excellent instructor and a supportive colleague.”

MacKay noted Juby’s commitment to developing the writing talents of her students, and her valuable contribution to the Creative Writing and Journalism department as a former Chair.

“Susan has also contributed valuable research on publishing and has served as a juror for national literary awards,” he said. “She’s a much sought after speaker, and has given many presentations and workshops at home and abroad while continuing her work as a novelist.”

Juby said she looks forward to taking part in the discussion about the future of higher education in Canada and examining how higher education can best serve society.

“As a member of the College I'll have the opportunity to mentor promising young scholars, artists and scientists and to nominate outstanding colleagues for membership in the College,” she said.  “It will be a privilege to represent Vancouver Island University at the national level and to learn from some of the most innovative and dynamic minds in Canada."

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Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

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