The University of Waikato has appointed Jennifer Kerr as Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Waikato Management School.
Jennifer Kerr
A Distinguished Alumna of the University of Waikato, Ms Kerr (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) will join the University in March.
Ms Kerr brings significant governance and leadership expertise to the Pro Vice-Chancellor role and the University.
She is Chair of Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and WorkSafe New Zealand, and holds governance roles at New Zealand Police and Waipā Networks Limited.
As well as her current directorships, Ms Kerr has extensive executive experience stemming from a Human Resources background at large organisations both in New Zealand and overseas, including Mobil, Fonterra and Transpower.
She has also had a successful consultancy career, working with organisations including Wel Networks, AgResearch, and Mighty River Power.
Ms Kerr says she is excited to take up her new role at the University.
“Having studied at Waikato as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I’m thrilled to be returning to the University and for the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about their fields of scholarship and the tertiary sector.
“Waikato Management School has built a strong brand and network in the business community. I look forward to meeting our staff, students and employers, and making those vital connections between academia and industry, to support our next generation of business leaders,” she says.
Ms Kerr holds a BA in History and English and a GradDip in Psychology from the University of Waikato and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 in recognition of her services to community and governance. The Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of Waikato alumni who have achieved significant success in their career and made outstanding contributions to their communities.
