As Provost, she will replace Professor Bryony James, who recently took up the role of Te Herenga Waka Vice-Chancellor.
Professor James says Professor Longhurst’s deep belief in the power of universities to change lives and strengthen communities through education, research and public engagement has been clear in her work at Te Herenga Waka.
“She has a particular passion for, and expertise in, helping universities strengthen their quality of teaching and I am confident she is an excellent choice to support our Deans and faculties as they strive to deliver ambitious academic and operational objectives.”
Professor Longhurst’s external roles have included chair of a Commission of the International Geographical Union, convenor of the Social and Behavioural Sciences of the Academic Executive Committee of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and membership of both the Committee of University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and the newly created Matatāhuna-Universities Quality Assurance Agency. She is a fellow of Te Apārangi Royal Society of New Zealand, has been awarded an International Geographical Union Lauréat d’honneur, and is a fellow of the New Zealand Geographical Society.
The change in roles will take place in early October.