The University of South Australia has presented an honorary doctorate to its former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj, honoring the key role he played in the university’s growth.
Now Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, Professor Høj will visit South Australia to receive the honorary doctorate at the UniSA graduation ceremony on Friday, March 21.
UniSA’s Vice Chancellor and President, Professor David Lloyd, said the honour recognised the fundamental role Professor Høj had played in the evolution of UniSA.
“Professor Høj made an indelible mark on the university during his five-year tenure as Vice Chancellor and President,” Professor Lloyd said.
“Under his leadership, UniSA became one of Australia’s most rapidly developing universities.
“For two consecutive years (2010-2011), UniSA was the most improved Australian university in the QS World University Rankings – only five universities improved their position since 2009, and UniSA’s ranking moved from 19 to 11 in Australia.
“In the inaugural Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation in 2010, around 70 per cent of UniSA’s assessed research was rated as world class or above, and in the ERA 2012 evaluation that number had increased to more than 86 per cent.
“Peter also led major improvements to UniSA infrastructure, outlining an investment program of more than $1 billion in physical and virtual infrastructure over the coming decade, including the Jeffrey Smart Building, the $90m learning centre building which will be launched in the next few months and will have its impressive plaza named in honour of Professor Høj.
“His passion for excellence is matched by a deep commitment to equity and social justice, illustrated at a personal level by substantial personal donations to UniSA scholarship schemes, as well as at an organisational level by the foundation of UniSA College, which provides education opportunities for people from all walks of life.”
Professor Høj said he was delighted to return to UniSA to share in a ceremony dedicated to new graduates, including many from the UniSA College.
“In any circumstances it would be a pleasure to receive this award from this wonderful institution, but being in the company of new graduates who have taken a diverse range of paths to reach this day makes it exceptionally special,” Prof Høj said.
“It is their ceremony, and being a bit player is an honour in itself.”
Professor Høj was educated at the University of Copenhagen, majoring in biochemistry and chemistry, and has a Master of Science degree in biochemistry and genetics, a PhD in photosynthesis and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Copenhagen.
Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au or 07 3346 0561.
