University Chancellor Amy Adams reappointed – here’s her plan

Adams referred to UC as “the leading choice for tertiary study” in Aotearoa. Source: University of Canterbury. 

Recently reappointed University of Canterbury Chancellor Amy Adams says funding challenges faced by Aotearoa New Zealand universities are unquestionable, but that the University’s council will continue to adapt. 

Adams has already been Chancellor of the University for two years and identifies an increasingly modern, fit-for-purpose, digital environment among the changes students can expect to see in her coming term. 

She said the coming year would also see the redevelopment of some of the University’s existing infrastructure, as well as a shift away from coal on the Ilam campus to more sustainable energy. 

Adams chairs the UC council and various other university committees. She was first appointed to the UC council by the Minister of Education. 

After addressing funding challenges as a key obstacle, Adams told Canta that “while UC is in a good position compared to many, we are not immune from these pressures.” 

“As costs increase across the board and student expectations about the university experience they want change, we have to continue to adapt and ensure our offerings are relevant and we remain the leading choice for tertiary study in NZ,” she said. 

In her previous time as Chancellor, Adams oversaw UC’s 150th anniversary events and the establishment of the Digital Screen Campus in Dovedale Campus, as well as welcoming the first cohort of students to the new programmes, she said. 

“The successes we have as the University Council aren’t mine alone but the work of the whole team,” she said. 

Adams mentioned that the reappointment of Professor Cheryl de la Rey as Vice-Chancellor was a “critical part” of the Council’s work in her previous term. 

Following her time as a University of Canterbury student in the 1990s, Adams was a practicing lawyer for 16 years. She was a Member of Parliament for Selwyn for 12 years and served as a Cabinet Minister. 

“Both of those [previous] roles have taught me about leading large organisations, navigating the public sector and Government, and building relationships across wide ranges of stakeholders,” Adams said. 

“I’ve seen first-hand how a high-quality education can change your life, and being a part of providing this to students now and in the future is a big part of my motivation.”  

“My experience and connection to UC as an alumni is a key part of why I was attracted to this role,” she said.