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Professor Helen Nicholson

Acting Vice-Chancellor

Helen Nicholson 2021

Professor Helen Nicholson took on the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor  in March 2023, having previously undertaken the role from the end of  March 2021 until the end of January 2022.

After graduating from the University of Bristol, Professor Nicholson  worked as a doctor in hospital and community settings before taking up  an academic position in the Department of Anatomy at Bristol. She moved  to the University of Otago in 2000 to become Professor of Anatomy and  subsequently became Head of the Department of Anatomy. In 2007 she was  appointed Dean of the Otago School of Medical Sciences and in 2011 was the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) for six months.

Professor Nicholson was appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) in February 2014 and became the inaugural Deputy  Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) in 2015. In January 2021, Professor Nicholson took up the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

Professor Nicholson continues to maintain an active research  programme and publishes in the areas of clinical anatomy, male  reproductive biology and medical education. To date she has published  more than 100 journal articles and book chapters and has supervised 22 PhD and 30 masters' and honours students. With Dr Paul Trotman, she  contributed to the production of two television documentaries: Donated  to Science and Practising Medicine. She is a member of the Executive of  the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists.

Professor Nicholson has been a member of the Winston Churchill  Memorial Trust Board and the Stakeholders Advisory Board of Education  New Zealand. She is currently a member of the Council of the National  University of Samoa, and the Governance groups for the Ageing Well and  Healthier Lives National Science Challenges.

Tel +64 3 479 8253
Email vice-chancellor@otago.ac.nz

Sarah Lines

Sarah Lines

Executive Assistant

As Executive Assistant, Sarah provides high-level confidential, executive support and advice and is the first point of contact for the Vice-Chancellor.  Sarah manages the Vice-Chancellor's appointments, meetings, email and an extensive programme of events.

Sarah previously worked as a Personal Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic before taking up her current position in February 2016.

Tel +64 3 479 8253
Email vice-chancellor@otago.ac.nz

Eleanor Harrison

Eleanor Harrison

Executive Officer

Since late 2005 Eleanor has provided executive support to Otago's Vice-Chancellor – Professor Sir David Skegg, Professor Harlene Hayne Professor David Murdoch, and now Professor Helen Nicholson (Acting).

In her role, Eleanor has strategic oversight of the activities of the Vice-Chancellor's Office, working closely with the University's senior leaders. She provides governance support to the Senior Leadership Team and allied working groups which report to the Vice-Chancellor.

Tel +64 3 479 8280
Email eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz

David Clark

Registrar and Secretary to Council

David leads a team including the Secretary to the Council, the University Mediator and Copyright and Open Access.

He provides expert and strategic legal advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and University Council and ensures the co‑ordination of legal accountability to meet the University's statutory obligations.

He is the University's Privacy Officer.

Email registrar@otago.ac.nz

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