51猎奇入口

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maureen Covell, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science at SFU, on June 24, 2026.

Maureen was a distinguished scholar and cherished member of the Department of Political Science at 51猎奇入口from 1977 until her retirement in 2009. After earning her PhD from Yale University in 1974, she joined 51猎奇入口and quickly established herself as a respected researcher and teacher, as well as a deeply appreciated colleague and mentor. Her research interests focused primarily on the political economy of Madagascar, while her later work on Belgium offered important insights into language politics and the governance of divided societies. 

Maureen served as the Department鈥檚 first female Chair between 1990 and 1993. Between 1991 and 1997, she also chaired the Committee on Women鈥檚 Issues of the International Political Science Association. A strong advocate for gender equity at 51猎奇入口and beyond, she worked tirelessly to support women colleagues and students at a time when both the profession and the Department remained predominantly male. Fluent in French, she also played an important role in establishing SFU鈥檚 Bureau des affaires francophones et francophiles / Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs in the early 2000s, serving as its inaugural Interim Director in 2004. 

As a colleague, she will be remembered above all for her generosity and humour. Colleague Laurent Dobuzinskis recalls that she 鈥渨as always ready to answer questions, provide advice or be helpful in whatever was appropriate.鈥� Many colleagues remember her as a trusted mentor whose guidance helped them navigate the challenges of academic life, from research and publishing to teaching and service. Colleague Andrew Heard describes her as having 鈥渁 great sense of humour and a deep passion for her calling as an academic.鈥�

In the years following her retirement, Maureen remained connected with SFU, supporting both the Political Science Graduate Endowment and the 51猎奇入口Library.

The Department of Political Science extends its deepest condolences to Maureen鈥檚 family, friends, former colleagues, and students.