Heads who are not

Press, 30 August 1980, Page 2

Heads who are not

University heads of department do not always have the authority they appear to have. Not long ago one professor would be appointed for each department, and he would be head man, administratively and academically. But things have changed gradually over the last 10 or 20 years — today’s head may be a senior lecturer, with a professor under him as an ordinary member of the staff. This evolution was highlighted last week with the appointment of Mr R. N. Kennaway, a senior lecturer, as new head of the political science department at the University of Canterbury.

He replaced Professor W.- K. Jackson, who remained a member of the staff and retained his chair. The Vice-Chancellor (Professor A. D. Brownlie) explained that the change in positions was the result of an extensive growth of senior appointments below the rank of professor. These people had a considerable contribution to make to the university. > Today, too, there were frequently two, three, or even five professors to a single department, and it had become possible to “circulate” the administrative role. The department head held administrative responsibilities; academic leadership

still tended to be provided by the professors. Heads of departments were now appointed for three or five-year terms, Professor Brownlie said. At the end of that time, the position was reviewed and a new appointee could be given a turn at running the department. Last week also brought the appointment of Dr D. C. Gunby to a- chair (a professorship) in the English department. His elevation was academically deemed more important than a “headship.” Having achieved a chair, Dr Gunby would remain an “important academic” until he retired, Professor Brownlie said.