Dr. Kristen Ferguson named new Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy
Nipissing University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristen Ferguson as the new Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy. Dr. Ferguson is a Professor in the Schulich School of Education and has been a faculty member at Nipissing since 2005.
The Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy was established in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Thorn, a founding, distinguished member of the Nipissing University Faculty of Education, who dedicated her life to the promotion of literacy and language arts, nationally and internationally. The Schulich School of Education fills this role every three years with an individual whose work focuses on literacy and language. As Chair, Dr. Ferguson looks forward to developing new partnerships with local community groups, students and schools, as well as students from Nipissing University, on literacy initiatives that are collaborative, enriching, and engaging.
“There are many wonderful existing literacy initiatives in our community as well as other opportunities to develop ties between our community and Nipissing University to support literacy in our region,” she shared.
Dr. Ferguson holds multiple degrees from Nipissing University including a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics, Honours Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education in Curriculum Leadership. She received her Ph.D. in Language, Culture and Teaching in 2010 from York University.
Dr. Ferguson is the recipient of numerous awards including the Emerald Literati Award for Excellence for Outstanding Reviewer as well as a Research Achievement Award from Nipissing University. As a student, she was awarded the Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Award in Education. Her research interests include literacy, literacy coaching, professional development, higher education, drama education, and teacher stress and coping.
“I’m very pleased to be working in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Thorn and look forward to continuing her work of literacy outreach,” shared Dr. Ferguson. “Dr. Thorn made an incredible impact on Nipissing University, her students, and the teaching of literacy across Canada.”