By Susnation Seta, PMN
Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pacific, at Otago University. Photo: Otago University
The University of Otago has appointed Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu as its inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Pacific, marking a historic opportunity for Pasifika.
Sika-Paotonu expressed her gratitude for the honour and recognised the significant trust and responsibility placed upon her.
"I am keenly feeling this, but at the same time, I am very grateful for the opportunity to do more to contribute and to be of service to our Pacific communities, our Pacific staff, Pacific students and the Pacific region as well.''
In an interview with PMN Tonga host John Pulu, Sika-Paotonu expressed her excitement about her role and her vision to amplify the university's important work.
''What this role does is help amplify incredible work that has already been happening through the University of Otago. And so concerning prioritisation for the Pacific agenda moving forward.''
The establishment of this role and its accompanying framework results from research and capacity-building workshops aimed at understanding the needs of Pacific students attending Otago University.
Launch of University of Otago Pacific Strategic Framework. Back row: Pacific Islands Centre Manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai, Professor Judy Bennett (History), Health Sciences Associate Dean (Pacific) Dr Fa’afetai Sopoaga and Reverend Tokerau Joseph; (front row from left) Judge A’eau Semi Epati, Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Vernon Squire. Photo: Otago University Website
The Pacific Strategic Framework for 2022-2030, which builds on principles established in 2013, will guide the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, lecturers, and students.
This framework is structured around five main areas and is supported by three key values:
- Leadership - Developing Pacific leaders and leadership.
- Academic Excellence - Improving Pacific teaching and educators.
- Research - Promoting Pacific research and researchers.
- External Engagement - Fostering connections locally and within the Pacific region.
- Operations - Supporting sustainable development and creating Pacific-inclusive campuses and environments.
Each part of the plan is underpinned by three key values: equity, inclusivity, and responsiveness.
So we're very proud of our Pacific strategic framework and of this plan, originally designed by our Pacific staff, was supported and inputted into by our Pacific communities and our Pacific students,' Sika-Paotonu says.'
Reflecting on her experiences as a student, she shared the increase in Pacific students compared to her time at university, highlighting the progress made over the years that has led to this significant opportunity.
-This article was first published by PMN.
