The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka will celebrate two of its former senior leaders with honorary degrees at this weekend’s graduation.
Stephen Higgs, who was the Chancellor from 2022 until September, and Professor Helen Nicholson, who stepped in as Acting Vice-Chancellor twice before retiring in July, will both be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at ceremonies on Saturday.
Mr Higgs and Professor Nicholson have worked closely over the past few years, together leading the University through times of change.
Stephen Higgs
Both are humbled by the recognition.
Mr Higgs says it is hugely satisfying to have an organisation and people he respects choose to honour him with the award.
“I have enjoyed the many ways I have been connected with the University from my student days through to the position of Chancellor,” he says.
Otago is weaved throughout Mr Higgs’ life, starting as a Commerce student at the Otago Business School in the 1970s.
After graduating, he become a lecturer in professional taxation for about 15 years, was tax advisor for the University and on the Business School’s advisory committee.
“Those roles were satisfying professionally but also because they kept me connected to my university, such a key institution in Dunedin. My Otago study and degree set me up for a most enjoyable and rewarding career in various aspects of business.”
After joining the University Council in 2012, Mr Higgs became Pro-Chancellor in 2018 and then the 20th Chancellor four years later.
“My time on Council and as Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor highlighted even more the scale, complexity and importance of the University of Otago to Dunedin, New Zealand and internationally. To have played a part in that, alongside the Council and staff, has been highly satisfying.”
Professor Nicholson is a medically trained anatomist who specialises in clinical anatomy and anatomy education.
Helen Nicholson
She joined Otago in 2000, after earning a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Bristol in 1986, and later became Head of the Department of Anatomy in 2007.
Professor Nicholson has held various senior positions at the University, including Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic.
She has stepped into the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor on two occasions, from March 2021 to January 2022 and again from February 2023 until June 2024.
While taking on these leadership roles, Professor Nicholson has also remained active in her research. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, seven book chapters and co-produced two television documentaries.
Professor Nicholson says an honorary degree was not something she ever expected.
“Otago has had a huge impact on my life,” she says.
“It provided me with many opportunities to grow my career. I have had the privilege of working with amazing people: students; professional and academic staff, many of whom I now count as friends.
“Coming to Otago was one of the best moves of my life.”
Chancellor Trish Oakley acknowledged the service and commitment to the University of Mr Higgs and Professor Nicholson and their achievements in their respective business and medical fields.
“Their dedication to Otago is admirable, they have certainly left their mark and we thank them for their loyal and generous service.”