Dr. Carolyn Bassett is described as vivacious, strong-spirited and unfailingly generous in sharing her time and expertise with students and colleagues.
Born in Toronto on Jan. 7, 1965, Carolyn grew up in the suburbs and attended Trent University after graduating high school. She completed her Master’s at Carleton, and her PhD at York University, where she researched fiscal policy priorities in post-apartheid South Africa.
Carolyn’s first full-time teaching post was at York University as a lecturer and assistant professor in Political Science. In 2008, Carolyn joined the University of New Brunswick. In addition to her teaching and research, she also served as the coordinator of the International Development Studies program. A gifted teacher of undergraduate and graduate students, Carolyn taught courses in international development, international relations, political economy and African politics. Her innovative course on the politics of beverages had students examining the global political and economic relations involved in the production, marketing and consumption of their favourite drinks, like coffee, cola, orange juice and rum.
Carolyn was a committed social justice advocate and worked for non-governmental organizations, including the Canadian Peace Alliance and the Latin American Working Group.
When not in the classroom, Carolyn spent much of her time outdoors and travelling. She was an avid hiker, an excellent swimmer, and led a “secret double life” as a hip-hop dancer, among other fitness classes. Her life was rich in experiences, taking her on research trips to parts of South Africa and other African countries, and holiday adventures to places like Italy, Greece, and Mexico.
After a three-year battle with cancer, Carolyn died on April 2, 2019, leaving behind her mother and her husband, Andrew Goodman. The Carolyn Bassett Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to honour the life and work of a valued member of the UNB community, who will be remembered fondly for her keen wit and intellect.
You may support the Carolyn Bassett Memorial Scholarship by donating online or by mailing a contribution to our offices in Saint John or Fredericton. Thank you for your support.
We encourage you to share this page with family, friends and colleagues who may have known Carolyn, and to help honour her memory by making a gift in support of the memorial fund at UNB online or by mail.
Establishing named scholarships, bursaries or other funds is an easy and meaningful way to ensure that you or someone you care about is remembered with a special connection to UNB. Contact us to learn more.
