| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Gail Gillon says the arrival this month of two new professors at the University of Canterbury's College of Education is an exciting step forward.
Professor Niki Davis and Professor Peter Roberts are the first of several new senior academic staff who will join the College in the next few months.
Professor Davis was previously director of Iowa State University's Centre for Technology in Learning and Teaching. She is recognised internationally as a leading expert in information and communication technologies in teacher education.
She said her first week at the University had confirmed “what a great department and college I have joined”.
“Arriving at the College of Education has been like a gale of fresh air – invigorating and challenging in a cleansing way. The first few days cast a relaxing bright spotlight of sun on the campus and then, I am delighted to say, things piled in to challenge me.”
Professor Roberts was previously an Associate Professor in the School of Social and Policy Studies within the University of Auckland's Faculty of Education. His primary areas of research are philosophy of education and educational policy studies.
He said he was committed to the study of education in both the liberal arts tradition and in professional programmes.
“I believe academics should take the 'critic and conscience' role of the University seriously and the College has an important part to play in upholding this responsibility.
“I am very supportive of the many excellent teaching and research initiatives already implemented by those in positions of leadership in the College, and will welcome the opportunity to work with others in continuing this advancement of scholarly and professional life in the months ahead.”
Professor Gillon said the College of Education had been very fortunate in attracting researchers who were world leaders in their respective fields.
A third new professor, Mark O'Reilly, is expected to arrive from the United States in late July. An expert in learning disabilities, he is recognised as one of the foremost global experts on communication and problem behaviour among people with autism/developmental disabilities, particularly in relation to school and home intervention.
The appointment of a fourth professor will be complete once immigration matters have been finalised. This British professor is a leading expert in dyslexia, particularly in children who are bilingual.
“Our professors are enthusiastic to support research development in our College and to collaborate with other research teams across the University. I'm sure once their strengths become known in our community their expertise will be highly sought after,” Professor Gillon said.
“The consolidated injection of international research expertise that our new professors will bring to the College is not only fantastic for our University and local community, but presents exciting possibilities for education more broadly across New Zealand.”
Professor Gillon said the College was also looking forward to the arrival at the end of June of Associate Professor Judith Duncan from the University of Otago. An early childhood education expert, Professor Duncan will be based in the School of Māori, Social and Cultural Studies in Education.
For further information please contact:
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
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john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz