AUT appoints five Professor Emeriti
Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa, on behalf of AUT Council, has awarded the honorary title of Professor Emeritus to five professors in recognition of their exemplary service and leadership to the University and strong academic and research contributions.
The title of Professor Emeritus is appointed to a professor retiring from their role at AUT and has made a significant contribution to research, curriculum, knowledge and delivery that the University relies on.
The 2024 Professor Emeriti are:
- Professor Ajit Narayanan
- Professor Barry King
- Professor Michael Lueck
- Professor Stephen Henry
- Professor Valerie Wright St-Clair
Emeritus Professor Ajit Narayanan
Ajit Narayanan served as the Head of the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (2007-2013) and then as a professor in the combined School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (2013-2023).
Throughout his nearly two decades of service, Ajit demonstrated a strong commitment to AUT by playing a crucial role in securing research funding and supervising a significant number of master's and PhD students.
Ajit is an accomplished academic, having served on national research committees during his time in the United Kingdom before joining AUT. While serving as Head of School at AUT, he also led the development and establishment of joint curriculum programmes with Ho Chi Minh University of Science and Technology in Vietnam in 2008 and China Jiliang University in Hangzhou, China in 2010. These joint programmes continue to thrive and have experienced significant growth over time.
Emeritus Professor Barry King
Barry King served as the Head of the School of Communications Studies (2001-2007) and held the position of Associate Dean International for the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (2007-2014). Barry's commitment to AUT was evident through his active role in leading the school's transformation from a polytechnic to a university. He was instrumental in establishing key foundational structures that enabled the school to flourish.
Barry is an accomplished academic and researcher, recognised nationally and internationally and has received awards. Colleagues hold him in high regard, recognising his significant contributions to education and research at the University, as well as his supervision and support of student research.
Emeritus Professor Michael Lueck
Michael Lueck has made significant contributions to tourism education and research at national and international levels.
Michael’s commitment to AUT is demonstrated through his active role with the School of Hospitality and Tourism, where he served as an ambassador for programmes of study.
He is an accomplished academic and researcher, having received national and international recognition for his contributions to the tourism discipline. He holds the prestigious positions of founding co-chair of the International Coastal & Marine Tourism Society (ICMTS) and Founding Editor/Editor-in-Chief of the journal Tourism in Marine Environments. His expertise in coastal and marine tourism has earned him a reputation as a leading authority in the field, further enhancing his research impact and academic standing.
Emeritus Professor Stephen Henry
Stephen Henry's longstanding and distinguished service to the university spans 28 years, during which he held various leadership positions. Notably, he served as the Associate Dean of Research and Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute.
Stephen's commitment to AUT is evident through his leadership and significant contributions to the development and establishment of the postgraduate programme in Science and Engineering. Additionally, he has been a mentor and guide within the academic community, showcasing his dedication to fostering the growth and success of others.
As an accomplished innovator and academic in biochemistry, Stephen has received national recognition for his outstanding work. His contributions have been recognised with multiple awards and medals from the Royal Society of New Zealand, where he has also been honoured as a Fellow.
Emerita Professor Valerie Wright St-Clair
Valerie Wright St-Clair started as a lecturer for the former School of Occupational Therapy in 1990, then known as the Auckland Institute of Technology. She was appointed a professor in 2019 and played active roles in the School of Health Sciences throughout her career. There, she made significant contributions as co-director of the AUT Centre for Active Ageing and as head of research in the Department of Occupational Science and Therapy. Her leadership has been pivotal in establishing programmes contributing to AUT's growth and evolution as a university.
As an accomplished practitioner and researcher, Valerie has a wealth of experience. She has worked as an occupational therapist and scientist both in New Zealand and Scotland, further enhancing her expertise in the field.