Damian Lodge appointed to new role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Life

Under Damian Lodge’s leadership, teams delivering student administration services, learning and teaching, learner success programmes, student engagement, accommodation, library and information services and student health and wellbeing will drive an agenda focused on providing Lincoln University tauira with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and preparation for future career success.

Formerly holding the position of Director of Library, Teaching and Learning at Lincoln University from 2015 – 2018, Damian Lodge will return to the University on 7 June to take up his new role.

In previous roles at universities in Australia and New Zealand, Lodge spearheaded the development and implementation of a wide range of learning and teaching initiatives, while collaborating effectively with other senior leaders to develop successful student retention strategies.

Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards said the calibre of candidates, both international and local, for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Life role was exceptional, and Damian Lodge’s particular blend of experience, expertise and leadership qualities stood out.

“Damian was the ideal fit for this new role that will be pivotal to the future growth and success of Lincoln University.

“With his proven ability to drive innovation and lead transformation in the key areas of learner success and student engagement and experience, Damian will further advance the University’s strategic goal to provide a world-class end-to-end student experience and strengthen our focus on maximising learner success.

“His talent for developing collaborative partnerships with colleagues and associates, his exemplary communication skills and his inspirational leadership style will complement and enhance our senior leadership team.

“Add to that the advantage that Damian has already enjoyed a successful career path at Lincoln University, and is therefore well versed in our vision and culture, it is clear that he will hit the ground running to make an immediate and significant impact.”

Damian Lodge is excited about rejoining the Lincoln University whānau, and is looking forward to making a positive contribution, especially in the areas of student experience and learner success.

“I am keen to return to Lincoln University and apply my experience in leading high-performing teams to enhance student experience and outcomes.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with academic and professional staff to support Lincoln University students in meeting their academic and personal goals, while also enjoying a campus experience that is second-to-none.”

Professor Edwards said Lincoln University was deeply committed to providing a distinctive Aotearoa student experience where barriers to learning for all future and current students are removed, and where every student was inspired to unlock their potential.

“Our Manaaki Tauira model supports and enables all our tauira, especially Māori, Pasifika and disabled, to achieve a positive sense of self-worth, wellbeing and belonging within society, and to successfully complete their tertiary education.

“In appointing Damian Lodge to the new position of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Life, we are confident we have appointed the right person to lead this whole-of-organisation commitment to learner success.”

Damian Lodge

Masters in Information Studies, Library and Information Science – Charles Sturt University

Masters in Business Administration, HR and Change Management – RMIT

Bachelor of Business, Information Management – RMIT

Damian has spent almost 30 years in academic institutions in both professional and academic roles.

In his most recent role as Dean Academic at Massey University, he led large teams focused on student learner success and academic quality. He also led the Learning and Teaching response during COVID-19. Damian was Massey University's representative on CUAP and the Deputy Vice-Chancellors Academic Committee.

He also served on Massey University's Academic Board and Chaired the Learning and Teaching subcommittee of the Academic Board.

From 2015 – 2018 he was Director of Library, Teaching and Learning at Lincoln University. Commendations were received following the NZ Academic Quality Agency’s review of the Learning and Teaching strategic direction and services offered by Learning and Teaching.

Damian spent 12 years in a Faculty of Education teaching Information Science to large online cohorts at a regional university in Australia. He served as President – Australian Library and Information Association ALIA from 2014 – 2015.

For media enquiries email media@lincoln.ac.nz or phone 03 325 3827