Collaboration and community are the cornerstones that Dr. Michelann Parr will use to enhance literacy as the newly announced Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy at Nipissing University.Dr. Parr becomes the third person selected to hold the Chair. Dr. David Booth served as the Dr. Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy from 2008 – 2012 and Dr. Sharon Rich served as Chair from 2012 – 2015. Dr. Parr begins her three-year term on July 1, 2017.

Sutherland is an active volunteer with Office of Indigenous Initiatives. He volunteers for the Peer2Peer mentorship programs as well as for annual events and activities such as the Annual Welcome Powwow, Round Dance, Debwendizon, and Annual Leadership Conference. He was also a Science Camp counselor for youth with the Aboriginal Summer Education Programs.