UCOL dean bows out after 33 years

SCHOOL'S OUT: Steve Sorsby, who helped merge UCOL with the former Wairarapa Community Polytechnic, is standing down after 33 years with the institution. PHOTO SUPPLIED

A veteran tertiary educator - who helped merge UCOL and the former Wairarapa Community Polytechnic - is standing down after more than three decades in the job.

UCOL executive dean Steve Sorsby joined the organisation as a lecturer in early 1982 and, later that year, was also appointed to the newly-created role of computer manager, says Jean Archer, UCOL senior communications adviser.

Mr Sorsby, who steps down tomorrow, said the enormous technology changes that had occurred in education "has been amazing" since the launch of the personal computer in 1982.

"Installing the first polytechnic email system in collaboration with Christchurch Institute of Technology, implementing local computer networks, the internet, wireless communications, and connecting to the Advanced research network all happened under my watch," he said.

"Each had their challenges but each has contributed to providing UCOL students with leading edge technology."

Mr Sorsby went on to complete a range of leadership roles with the organisation including as integration manager during the Wairarapa Community Polytechnic merger with UCOL in 2001.

Wairarapa Community Polytechnic had been struggling financially and, in May 2000, announced a proposal to merge with Palmerston North-based UCOL with then Minister of Education Steve Maharey saying the plan would "give tertiary education in Wairarapa a new lease on life".

Mr Sorsby had also in his time with UCOL completed work as facilities manager, corporate services manager, and client project manager on several major building projects, Ms Archer said, including an earthquake-strengthening project of some UCOL buildings in 2010.

Mr Sorsby relinquished his position as director of information technology in 2012 to take up the role of executive dean of the faculty of humanities and business, and said his role as dean over the past several years had been "entirely different from anything else" he had done at UCOL.

"Although people are often surprised that I have worked for one employer for so many years, my time at UCOL has always been varied and interesting.

"I have enjoyed the many aspects of the role and working closely with all of the departments, but the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the success the students achieve while studying."

Mr Sorsby said he was "looking to take things a bit easier" in retirement despite plans to be "involved in education one way or another, possibly coming back as a student.

"One thing life at UCOL has taught me is that you never stop learning."