New head of EIT business school

Pleased: john West (left) is congratulated on his appointment as Head of EIT's Schools of Business and Computing by Fred Koenders, executive dean, faculty of commerce and technology. Picture supplied

Former Gisborne man John West has been appointed as the new head of the schools of business and computing at Eastern Institute of Technology.

Mr West, an academic leader and tertiary manager, was the product and service manager at eCampus NZ, one of New Zealand's largest online learning developers, based in Christchurch.

He is also a former head of the Business School of Ara Institute of Canterbury and former director of student services at Ara as well.

He is pleased to be in Hawke's Bay and taking on the dual role at EIT.

“I know a number of people at EIT as I have worked in the sector for a long time. I've got some long-standing relationships with colleagues in the EIT Business School in particular, so it is nice to reconnect with them.”

He is also keen to build relationships with the Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti business communities as well as cultural communities represented by students.

Mr West said he had enjoyed working at eCampus NZ for the past two years and playing a role in the online delivery of tertiary education, but he was looking forward to getting back on campus.

“The key driver for me in taking this role now is that I went into education to make a real difference for learners. I am looking forward to once again having that direct learner engagement.

“I would like to believe that the online provision experience that I've had will make a difference and add to EIT's blended delivery of education,” he said.

EIT faculty of commerce and technology executive dean Fred Koenders said he was pleased to be able to appoint someone of John's calibre.

“John comes with a very strong pedigree. He has worked in the tertiary education sector for over 25 years, with over 18 years' experience as an executive leader and senior manager in academic and non-academic roles.

“John has strong people leadership skills as well as strong academic design and delivery knowledge, including online design. His recent experience in student services will prove invaluable, as will his competencies in project management, financial management and experience in managing in a multi-campus environment,” Mr Koenders said.

EIT's Schools of Business and Computing offer programmes across Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti, from Waipukrau to Ruatoria, as well as at the EIT Graduate International Campus in Auckland, and online both in New Zealand and offshore

Mr West began his new job on August 30 from his home in Christchurch during the recent lockdown, and will relocate to Hawke's Bay at the end of the year.