University remembers former chancellor
Published by Communications and Development
21 May 2007
A former chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Dame Jean Herbison, died in Christchurch on Sunday.
Dame Jean became the first woman in Australasia to be appointed as a university chancellor when she took up the helm at Canterbury in 1979.
Born in 1923, Dame Jean graduated with a BA from Canterbury in 1951. She trained as a teacher in Auckland and taught for nine years at Avonside Girls' High School. In 1961 she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and completed an MA in education (counselling) at the University of Northern Iowa.
She was appointed dean of women at the Christchurch Teachers' College in 1963 and five years later was appointed vice-principal of the primary division of the college. From 1975 until her retirement in 1984 she was associate director of the Christchurch Technical Institute.
Dame Jean was elected to the University of Canterbury Council in 1970. In August 1979 she was appointed Pro Chancellor and two months later was appointed Chancellor following the resignation due to ill health of Brian Anderson. She resigned as chancellor as the end of 1984 on her appointment as the first woman member of the University Grants Committee.
Dame Jean served on a number of educational bodies including the Advisory Council on Educational Planning, the Unesco National Commission and the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration.
In 1976, she was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to education and the following year was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1985.
In 1987, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by Canterbury University.
Canterbury University Chancellor Dr Robin Mann said Dame Jean made a great contribution to education in this county.
“I know Jean enjoyed her time on Council immensely and, like all of us who have shared that honour, she truly appreciated the opportunity to play an active role in advancing the University.
“I know she admired and respected the formality of the University, particularly Graduation. As a former Fulbright scholar and the first woman to serve as a Chancellor, she certainly brought a fresh perspective to the role,” said Dr Mann.
“There is no doubt the University of Canterbury benefited greatly from her service and dedication.”
For further information please contact:
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
Mobile: 021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz