Massey University Welcomes New Leadership as Jan Thomas Retires

Jan Thomas concludes her nine-year tenure as vice-chancellor of Massey University at the end of this month, making way for Professor Pierre Venter, the director of research and development at Fonterra. Reflecting on her time at the university, Thomas emphasized the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership, particularly the resilience shown during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thomas has overseen significant transformations at Massey, which faced a substantial financial loss of $45 million in 2023 due to the impact of closed borders on international students. However, she noted a remarkable turnaround, with an initial forecast of a $30 million loss for 2024 now projected to yield a $3 million surplus. Looking ahead, the university anticipates a further surplus of $10 million for 2025.

Transformative Leadership and Financial Recovery

During her tenure, Thomas focused on stabilizing and modernizing Massey’s operations. “We’ve done a lot of work around stabilising and shifting our operating models and our financial circumstances,” she told the Manawatū Standard. She highlighted the increase in student numbers and improved university rankings as evidence of positive outcomes from her leadership.

Despite the financial turbulence, Thomas was resolute in making tough decisions, including staff redundancies, to adapt to the university’s needs. “There’s no silver bullet,” she stated, acknowledging the difficult choices that had to be made during the challenging years of 2022-2023. “Living within our means became a common message,” she said, as Massey sought new revenue sources, including the establishment of a campus in Singapore, which is steadily growing.

The university’s recent restructuring aimed to ensure sustainability in times of fluctuating government funding and changing student demographics. “People are very invested in their universities,” Thomas remarked, underscoring the importance of community engagement and the significant role universities play in society.

Controversies and Future Directions

Thomas’s leadership was not without controversy, notably in 2018 when she cancelled a venue booking for a speaking event by former politician Don Brash due to security concerns. This decision was later clarified to prioritize the university’s stance against racist behaviour, emphasizing that it was never about banning Brash from speaking but rather about ensuring safety on campus.

Looking to the future, Thomas has laid a foundation for Massey to become a Tiriti o Waitangi-led university, focusing on partnerships with mana whenua and increasing the number of Māori PhD candidates and professors. Initiatives like the Kaiārahi Tiriti programme aim to deepen staff understanding of te Tiriti and enhance the university’s role as a Treaty partner.

Thomas, originally from Perth, Western Australia, began her career as a veterinarian before transitioning to university management. She expressed a profound commitment to the transformative power of education, stating, “Students who come from educational disadvantage experience life-changing opportunities.”

Now, as she prepares to step down, Thomas looks forward to contributing to her community in Palmerston North, where she has embraced the local culture and become a citizen. After a brief break from formal work, she hopes to remain engaged in the region while enjoying the diverse offerings of her city, from theatre to gardening.

As Massey University embarks on this new chapter under Professor Venter’s leadership, Thomas’s legacy of resilience and commitment to student success will undoubtedly influence the institution’s future direction.