London University Post For Dr. Pownall

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30937, 18 December 1965, Page 16

London University Post For Dr. Pownall

Dr. L. L. Pownall, Vice« Chancellor and Rector of the Uni* versity of Canterbury, has been appointed to the newly-created position of Clerk of the senate of the University of London from next August. The new post is immediately below that of principal of the university.

Dr. Pownall will coordinate the work of all departments in the Senate House on academic matters, act as link between Principal and Senate institutes, prepare estimates and control expenditure for the administrative services of the university and recruit staff for certain university establishments.

The University of London has more than 28,000 internal students and nearly 27,000 external students. Teaching is carried out at 11 university institutes, 14 schools, and colleges (including the wellknown Schools of Economics and Political Science), three theological schools, 13 undergraduate medical and dental schools, 16 post-graduate medical schools, and 19 other institutes at which there are “recognised” teachers of the university. Announcing his acceptance of the invitation to take the new co-ordinating post. Dr. Pownall said it was his ultimate hope and intention to return to New Zealand. “Clean-Desk Man” Dr. Pownall’s energy, ability, and meticulous attention to detail have become a legend at the University of Can-

terbury, where he can recall from memory almost every item of the many major developments made during his leadership since April, 1961. He is a “clean-desk” man: visitors rarely find more than a pen-holder and a clock in sight. Yet he can put his finger on any wanted paper within minutes. Dr. Pownall, who was born in Wanganui on November 1, 1921, was educated at the Palmerston North Boys’ High School, trained at the Wellington Teachers’ College, took lectures at Victoria University College but graduated bachelor of arts and master of arts with first-class honours in geography at Canterbury University College both as a part-time student. He was awarded the doctorate of philosophy of the University of New Zealand in 1956. Advancement in his teaching career was very rapid. He was an assistant master at the Christchurch Boys’ High School from 1941 to 1946, a temporary and part-time lecturer in geography at Canterbury University College for a year, lecturer in charge of geography at the Ardmore Teachers’ College from 1948 to 1964, university lecturer in geography in Auckland in 1949-50, senior lecturer in geography in Canterbury from 1951 to 1960, and then professor of geography for a year before being appointed Vice-Chancellor in April, 1961. Dr. Pownall was a Whitbeck fellow in geography at the University of Wisconsin in 1947-48 and since then has made many overseas trips on refresher leave or special mission, during which he has developed extensive associations in all parts of the world. He is New Zealand consultant of the Inter-Uni-versity Council for Higher Education Overseas in London. Vigorous Development As Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pownall has executed the most vigorous programme of academic, building, administrative, and public relations development in the history of the University of Canterbury. New courses ranging from American studies to business administration have been introduced, multiple chairs created in 10 departments, extension studies expanded and graded up to post-gradu-ate level, and proposals made for training in journalism, forestry, and architecture. Planning for the recentlyapproved third stage at Ham

and the building of the Science School have occupied Dr. Pownall throughout his years of office. He has repeatedly pressed for more hostels and personally appealed for much of the fund for church halls of residence. At the same time there have been many space problems on the central site. The Mount John astronomical observatory and the Westport geology field station were established in his term. In administration Dr. Pownall has probably done most. Innovations range from the new post for Pro-Vice-Chancellor to specialists to supervise all services, data processing has become highly mechanised, and many advisory and inter-depart-mental committees have been appointed. > Community Interest Dr. Pownall is keen to interest the community in the university. He has provided information, business liaison, and guide services, produced a brochure now used as a model overseas and also a colour film about the university and Canterbury. A recent development is the University Association, club, and journal. Music (classics to jazz) and the arts are Dr. Pownall’s chief pastimes. Before he became so heavily committed to university affairs, public service ranged from membership of the Christchurch West High School board of governors to long-term participation in committees and conferences on urban redevelopment, his specialty as a geographer. The Canterbury University Council will call applications immediately for a successor to Dr. Pownall. “Great Blow”

When the announcement was made in London late last night, the Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) said the impending departure of Dr. Pownall was a great blow to the whole community. “However,” he said, “we congratulate Dr. Pownall on the most significant position he will hold as second-in-command of the great University of London, at the heart of the Commonwealth.”

During the last five years, said Bishop Warren, the University of Canterbury had provided no fewer than 64 members of the staff of other university institutions, all by way of promotion. Fourteen had gone to the United Kingdom, 17 to Australia, 26 to other countries, and seven to other parts of New Zealand. In the last 12 months, four senior members of the staff had gone to professorial chairs in other universities. The University of Canterbury bad provided both the first and second chairmen of the New Zealand University Grants Committee. “With this record,” said Bishop Warren, “no-one can doubt that the standard of our academic staff is high.” Dr. Pownall had done much to advance the university and to strengthen the good relations between this “largest business in Canterbury” and all other businesses and sections of the community.

Dr. Pownall, and his wife, who had done so much to further the work of her husband, would be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends.