Philip Gendall awarded title of Professor Emeritus

The University Council's Honorary Awards Committee has conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on Dr Philip Gendall.

Professor Gendall, who retired at the end of January after 34 years at Massey University, was recognised for his outstanding career as an academic and researcher, and for his contribution to the University during his 20 years as head of the Department of Marketing.

“I am very pleased to be continuing my long association with Massey – I’ve spent the better part of my life at this University, as both a student and an academic, and I’m glad it hasn’t ended with my retirement,” Professor Gendall said. “It’s also nice that I can keep on calling myself a professor.”

Professor Gendall’s association with Massey stretches back to 1968 when he enrolled in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science. He went on to complete one of his two master’s degrees at Massey (in Agricultural Economics and Marketing), and his PhD in Marketing, which he received in 2003.

His academic career began at Massey in 1978, when he joined the Department of Marketing. In 1988 he became professor of marketing and head of department, a role he held continuously for 20 years.

Professor Gendall is acknowledged as an international expert on question wording, questionnaire design, and survey research. In recognition of this, he chaired the methodology committee of the International Social Survey Programme, and was the programme’s New Zealand representative for 20 years.

He plans to maintain his ties to Massey, and providing assistance and survey advice to researchers will one of the key areas he will continue to contribute to the University.

When nominating him for the title of Professor Emeritus, Professor Malcolm Wright said Professor Gendall created an invigorating environment for staff and students and was always generous with his time.

“Phil always led by example, not only publishing but also teaching, winning substantial research grants, providing expert evaluations, supervising students, marking theses for other universities, reviewing articles and serving on editorial boards,” he said.

“He was also generous with his time, both directly in providing advice, review comments and mentoring, and indirectly in the efforts he made to create an invigorating intellectual environment.”