Professor Helen Nicholson
Acting Vice-Chancellor
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
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
Executive Officer
Since late 2005 Eleanor has provided executive support to Otago's Vice-Chancellor – Professor Sir David Skegg, Professor Harlene Hayne and now Professor David Murdoch.
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
Mayhaka Mendis
Registrar (Acting)
Ms Mayhaka Mendis is the University's Registrar (Acting). She leads a team including Corporate Records Services, the Secretary to the Council, the University Mediator and Copyright and Open Access.
She provides expert and strategic legal advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and University Council and ensures the coordination of legal accountability to meet the University's statutory obligations.
She is the University's Privacy Officer.
Tel +64 3 479 8899
Email registrar@otago.ac.nz