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The Queen’s community remembers Dr. Christopher Knapper, who shaped teaching and learning at the university and beyond. He came to Queen’s in 1991 to establish the Instructional Development Centre, now the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and worked with students, staff, and faculty to strengthen teaching across campus. He passed away on February 28, 2026.

As the Centre’s founding director, he worked closely with the Alma Mater Society (AMS) to create lasting support for teaching and learning, together raising a $750,000 endowment through a voluntary student fee.

Internationally, Dr. Knapper was a sought-after speaker, consultant, program evaluator, and workshop leader. He was a founding editor of the International Journal for Academic Development and a founder and past president of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE).

While leading the Centre, Dr. Knapper was cross-appointed to the Department of Psychology. Students remained central to his work, and many stayed in touch to share how he had influenced their paths. In recent years he continued to support them, volunteering with the Queen’s PhD-Community Initiative.

In 1999, the AMS created the in recognition of his contributions to teaching and later named him Honorary AMS President. In 2002, he was the inaugural recipient of the , and named a 3M National Teaching Fellow, the most prestigious university teaching award in Canada. He received the Wilbert McKeachie Career Achievement Award from the American Educational Research Association and was a founder of the International Consortium for Educational Development, which later honoured him with its Spirit of ICED Award.

“Chris’ career was defined by leadership, scholarship, and a deep commitment to student success,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “He helped shape how we think about teaching and learning in higher education, and his contributions will continue to resonate at Queen’s, across Canada, and internationally.”

The flag on campus will be lowered in honour of Dr. Knapper on March 10. 

A celebration of life will be held in the coming months. If you would like to be informed of the details, please email sandra.murray@queensu.ca.

Read the family obituary for Dr. Knapper .