Royal Society of Canada

TWU's Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham is part of the inaugural cohort of scholars inducted into the royal society of Canada's newly established college of new scholars, artists, and scientists 

Trinity Western University School of Nursing Professor Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, PhD has been inducted into the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. 

“We are very pleased that the Royal Society of Canada has appointed Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham to the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists,” said Provost W. Robert Wood, PhD. “Sheryl is an exceptional scholar and will represent TWU well within the context of her recent appointment.” 

An award-winning scholar, Reimer-Kirkham has creatively brought together innovative research in religion, culture, ethics, and health/illness with an eye to guiding nursing education, clinical practice, and health policy. Her work is suffused with compassion, moral reflection, and a concern for social justice. She is also the director of TWU’s Master of Science in Nursing program. 

In addition to a Governor General’s Gold Medal, and the Elizabeth Kenney McCann Outstanding Dissertation Award, Reimer-Kirkham received the College of Registered Nurses British Columbia Research Award of Excellence in 2010. 

Reimer-Kirkham is proud to represent the stellar research that is happening at TWU. “We are, in many areas of the University, exceeding the national standards for research at smaller universities, both in calibre and productivity” she said. “Our vibrant research community, including our Gender Studies and Religion in Canada Institutes, has pushed my thinking considerably.” 

“My research has flourished here,” she said. “TWU encourages interdisciplinary research. In this environment, where we share common values of compassion, generosity, hospitality, and equity, we are able to openly explore religion and diversity.” 

Established in 1882, The Royal Society of Canada is the senior Canadian collegium of distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists. The Society’s primary objective is to promote learning and research in the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences. In 2009, Trinity Western University became the first private Canadian university to attain membership. 

The College, established in 2014, is Canada’s first national system of recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership. Its establishment allows the RSC to benefit from the participation of exceptionally talented individuals in the earlier period of their careers. Since more than 60 percent of university faculty in Canada have been hired since 2000, the launch of the College is particularly timely. 

“It’s such a privilege to be able to speak into the direction of higher education and research in Canada, through the College,” Reimer-Kirkham said. “Already at the induction ceremony in Quebec City this weekend, there was a lot of synergy and excitement among the new members as we considered how we might work together from diverse intellectual, cultural and social perspectives.” 

Watch Dr. Reimer-Kirkham's College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists intro video, below.