Bishop’s University
Dr. Jessica Riddell

Bishop’s University Professor Honoured by the Royal Society of Canada

Bishop’s University is proud to announce that Dr. Jessica Riddell, Full Professor in the Department of English, has been named a member of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists—  “one of the highest academic honours” in the Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences in Canada. She is first-ever faculty member at Bishop’s to receive this distinction.

Dr. Riddell joins 58 distinguished Canadian scholars, artists, and scientists recognized by their peers for their outstanding scholarly contributions. The 2025 cohort will be formally inducted during the RSC Celebration of Excellence and Engagement on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Montréal, Québec. 

“The Royal Society of Canada is delighted to welcome into its ranks a talented group of inspiring researchers, artists, and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture, as well as to the well-being of Canadians. Their research will continue to influence public policy for years to come, while improving the well-being of our society,” said Alain-G. Gagnon, FRSC, President of the RSC.

“It is a tremendous honour to be welcomed as a member of the RSC College alongside such extraordinary thinkers and changemakers, affirms Riddell. “Higher education is the critical frontline of democracy and where we build creative futures committed to ecological and human flourishing. I look forward to learning from my College cohort and members of the RSC as we tap into the moral imagination necessary to transform our institutions of higher learning – and by extension democracy itself – for the better.”

An award-winning educator, decorated scholar, and best-selling author, Dr. Riddell has published on institutional culture change, governance, strategic planning, inter-institutional collaborations, experiential and inclusive high-impact practices, and Shakespeare.

Her most recent book, Hope Circuits: Rewiring Universities and other Systems for Human Flourishing (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2024), addresses the fragmentation, weakening of purpose, and instrumental practices of higher education and issues an expansive call for the reinvention of universities and the renewal of their social contract.   

Dr. Riddell is also the Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence and a 3M National Teaching Fellow (2015).

About the RSC

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises The Academy of Arts and Humanities, The Academy of Social Sciences, The Academy of Science, and The RSC College. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. Learn more at www.rsc-src.ca   

About Bishop’s University  

Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop’s University is a unique English-language, primarily undergraduate institution located in the historic and picturesque Eastern Townships region of Québec. Our 550-acre campus offers an immersive educational experience within a close-knit community.  

With a student population of approximately 2,600 full-time students, Bishop’s fosters deep academic engagement through personalized course of study, small class sizes and meaningful interaction between students and professors. We offer over 100 programs across five faculties: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Business, and Education.  

For more than 180 years, Bishop’s has cultivated leaders and changemakers through interdisciplinary learning, experiential opportunities, and extensive student support. Whether studying abroad, conducting research, participating in an athletic team, or learning by doing, Bishop’s students are empowered to pursue academic excellence and personal growth in an inclusive and dynamic environment.  

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MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

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