About the Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy
The Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy is focused on research and excellence in primary and junior literacy. The role of the chair is to research and disseminate findings in the area of primary/junior literacy and provide leadership and expertise in literacy education.
The Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy is currently chaired by Kristen Ferguson.
Dr. Ferguson’s current activities as the Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy focus on research on mothering and literacy, StoryWalks, literacy coaching, and family literacy nights, as well as providing professional development for preservice and in-service teachers and educators.
Previous Chairs:
- Tara-Lynn Scheffel (2020-2022)
- Michelann Parr (2017-2020)
- Sharon Rich (2012-2015)
- David Booth (2008-2012)
Contact us
To contact Dr. Ferguson about research, community partnerships, or to inquire about having Dr. Ferguson as a facilitator/speaker for professional development, please send an email
In Memoriam
As a founding member of the Nipissing University Faculty of Education, Dr. Elizabeth Thorn dedicated her life to the promotion of literacy and inspired educators around the world with her wisdom, passion and commitment to language education.
The Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy was established in 2002, thanks to the heartfelt generosity of Dr. Thorn. Her planned gift continues to inspire and support the pursuit of literacy education.
Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Literacy Centre
The Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Literacy Centre is a campus space for Education Students – Concurrent and Consecutive! A space for learning, studying, meeting as small groups, collaborating, and more!
- Sample Literacy Stations
- Literacy Resources to Borrow
- Drop-In Times with Literacy Professors
- Comfortable Study Room
Open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Youth Programming
Looking for current youth programming?
All youth programming is now organized through Nipissing University’s Department of Extended Learning.
Past Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair Events/Initiatives
Books for Brook
In memory of Brook Doseger, the Books for Brook initiative distributed thousands of books within the North Bay region, enhancing literacy opportunities for countless children and youth from 2017-2024. Over the years, Books for Brook events and promotions delivered books to numerous organizations, such as:
- Learn, Laugh, Love, and Read Program with North Bay Regional Hospital
- 2nd Annual Family Mahiingan Road Race for FASD Awareness with the Indigenous Friendship Centre, North Bay
- Annual Downtown North Bay Christmas Walk
- Family Enrichment Program (EarlyON), North Bay
- Early Years Center (EarlyON), North Bay
- Literacy Nipissing
- Gift of Reading with CFUW North Bay
- Les compagnons, North Bay
- Nipissing University Extended Learning Campers
- Hands, The Family Help Network, North Bay
- Near North District School Board
- Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
NU Reads
NU Reads was a literacy-based youth program coordinated by Nipissing University and supported by the Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair for over 15 years.
Past Events
- Thorn Book Grant
(2022) - Speaker Series
(2021-2022) - Literacy Award
(2010-2013) - Multimodality and Multiliteracies
(2012) - Novel Approaches to Learning
(2011) - North Bay Reads Together
(2011) - The Continuum of Literacy Learning
(2010) - Dinner With Tony Stead
(2009)