University of Canterbury has celebrated its newly appointed professors and other staff members at Hui Whakamānawa

Fourteen academics will take up their new appointments as professors at the start of 2024. Together with other professional and academic colleagues, they were invited to gather with their whānau and friends, and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s Senior Leadership Team to celebrate their success at the event on Wednesday.

Acting Tumu Tuarua Rangahau | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Peter Gostomski said: “We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of future-focused education and research with impact in a changing world. The University’s aspirations are rooted in the skill, talent and passion of our academics to create and share profound new knowledge.”

Professor Gostomski said that each of the new appointments was well deserved and reflected years of demonstrated outstanding competence. “We foster the ethos of excellence, relevance, and impact, and a culture of high ethical standards, collaboration, and innovation. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate the success of our talented staff at Hui Whakamānawa, including our outstanding researchers and educators.”
Academics apply for promotion to the rank of professor via a thorough process. They must provide evidence of excellence and impact in the areas of teaching, research, and service.

Congratulations to the new professors on reaching this significant milestone in their academic careers:

Cheryl Brown, School of Education Studies and Leadership
Jo Fletcher, School of Teacher Education
Sara Tolbert, School of Teacher Education
Aisling O’Sullivan, Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Allan Scott, Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Volker Nock, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Christian Riffel, Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law
Debra Wilson, Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law
Elizabeth Macpherson, Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law
Matthew Stott, School of Biological Sciences
Catherine Reid, School of Earth and Environment
Eileen Britt, School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
Joana Kuntz, School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing
Sanna Malinen, Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship