New Academic Director for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
Wednesday 8 October 2014, 8:45AM
By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
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Newly appointed Academic Director Dr Amanda Torr was welcomed by more than 30 guests to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic last week at a special powhiri at the Windermere Campus.
Dr Torr brings a great deal of experience to the Polytechnic with a career spanning almost 30 years in the tertiary sector. With a skillset mix of management, governance, policy and quality assurance, Dr Torr will be a valuable asset to the senior leadership team.
Dr Alan Hampton, Polytechnic Chief Executive, said it was a real pleasure to welcome Dr Torr to the Polytechnic.
“Amanda brings experience and skills to the institution at a time when our sector is changing rapidly and the ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities for institution development and growth are crucial,” says Dr Hampton. “That future must have a strong focus on supporting our students to succeed and meeting the skills needs of our region and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
“Amanda will be an important member of the Senior Leadership Team, creating a strong future for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and our region,” he says.
Formerly at Waiariki Institute of Technology, Dr Torr has also held directorships at Polytechnic West (Perth, Australia), WelTec and Open Polytechnic, as well as taking on secondment positions in places as far flung as Cambodia undertaking health system and policy reform.
“I believe the polytechnic sector is a vitally important part of the tertiary education environment and its focus on active, authentic and project-based learning means that it is able to provide education that is highly relevant to industry, employers and the wider community,” says Dr Torr.
“Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is uniquely placed in the Bay to really meet the needs of learners both young and old and I am excited to be a part of that.”
Dr Torr believes it’s vital to have people working in the polytechnic sector with a broad understanding of the policy environment. She is looking forward to making a significant contribution to the direction and leadership of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.