In the second instalment of our profile series, we feature three of our new Heads of School who come from different corners of the earth. Head of Community Studies, Katie Bruffy, grew up in Ohio and is a champion synchronised swimmer; Dan Blanchon, Head of Environmental and Animal Sciences was born in Yorkshire, England, and enjoys connecting with nature to unwind, and Nick Sheppard, Interim Head of Engineering and Applied Technology, is a South Aucklander whose love of education and sport has helped shape a large part of his career.
We’re profiling three new Heads each week over February and March. Our first article profiled Lee Baglow, Dr Christian Probst and Dr Vanessa Byrnes.
Katie Bruffy – Head of Community Studies
Tell us about your professional career.
I attended The Ohio State University (think huge Gridiron programme) in the United States. During my undergraduate degree I was a Division 1 NCAA student athlete in synchronised swimming, winning four national championships. After graduating, I missed the educational environment and pursued a Masters and PhD in sport management. This led to a job as a lecturer at Unitec with the fabulous Sport, Exercise and Recreation team. From there, I have had numerous development opportunities at Unitec. I am also a board member of Sport Waitakere and Synchronised Swimming NZ.
What attracted you to this role?
I love Unitec. I get so much satisfaction from knowing we change lives and serve our communities, all while striving to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Kaitiakitanga is my motivation for applying for this role. I am dedicated to continuing to contribute to the sustainability of Unitec and respect the taonga that it is.
What are you looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I am looking forward to continuing to enhance what we do for the benefit of our students, staff, and communities. We have a lot of lives to positively impact.
Personally, I adore my family and always look forward to doing active things with them. I have a personal motto: live life, love life, live love.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. My partner and I have lived in Auckland since 2010 and we have two Kiwi children, Elliot (5) and Whitney (4). I have my partner Kevin to thank for introducing me to the outdoors. Our first overnight tramping trip was five days in Yosemite National Park in Northern California, three weeks after getting engaged. He didn’t tell me to pack a headlamp. I’m not very funny, but I’m really good at laughing.
Dan Blanchon – Head of Environmental and Animal Sciences
Tell us about your professional career.
I started working at Unitec in 1999 after graduating from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Botany. I have seen quite a few changes over the last 20 years, and have had the opportunity to change direction several times in that period. My main focus for the last few years has been on leading the Environmental and Animal Sciences team, but I still like to engage in research and do some teaching to stay in touch with our students.
What attracted you to this role?
It has been a challenging few years for Unitec, but there is something special about the place and I’m looking forward to focusing our attention back on our students. The Environmental and Animal Sciences team are an amazing group of people to work with, which was a large factor in me applying for the role. I like working with a diverse range of people, and also problem-solving and the Heads of School role will provide plenty of opportunities for doing both.
What are you looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally?
I’m looking forward to the opening of our new animal unit. It’s bigger, better, has more animals and will be a much better experience for our students (and the animals).
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Yorkshire, England. My parents and I emigrated to NZ when I was two years old, so I’m very much a Kiwi. I grew up in Huapai, but went to Mt Albert Grammar School, so I’m sort of local. My partner (Paul) and I love to travel, and occasionally pop over to Melbourne to visit friends, art galleries, rooftop bars, restaurants and shops. As a botanist, I love plants, so to unwind I work in the garden or visit the nearest patch of native bush.
Nick Sheppard – Interim Head of Engineering and Applied Technology
Tell us about your professional career.
I attended Auckland Teachers’ College and Massey University, studying Physical Education and also completed a Masters in Management. I started my professional career as a secondary school teacher at Saint Kentigern College in 1992. I was very fortunate to be able to follow my love of sport throughout my career with roles at Counties Manukau RFU, NZRU and the Blues Super Rugby Franchise. I joined Unitec in 2013 as Academic Director of Bridgepoint – Education Foundation and then became Dean of the Bridgepoint Faculty where I’ve been until my current appointment as Interim Head of Engineering and Applied Technology.
What attracted you to this role?
Working with great people to provide new learning and development opportunities for our students. Helping people achieve their dreams and aspirations through education.
What are you looking forward to this year, both professionally and personally?
Professionally – working with staff across our School of Engineering and Applied Technology to provide students with a first-class experience, and helping them pathway onto meaningful employment opportunities.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m South Auckland born and bred and am the first person in my family to ever go to university. I have a wife and two children (20 and 18 years old) – both now studying at university. Love the beach, surf, BBQ’s with friends and family, and travel.