Past, Present & Future - History of the School of Business
The University of Otago, School of Business has a proud history of business research and education. Today the School aspires to be recognised internationally and nationally for excellence in research and research-based teaching.
History of the School of Business
Guiding Principles
History of the School of Business
The University of Otago was established in 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council and is New Zealand's oldest University. However teaching in accounting and other commerce subjects did not start until 1912.
The Faculty of Commerce and Law was first established with Professor H D Bedford as Dean. In October of 1920 the Council approved the separation of Commerce and Law and the establishment of a separate Faculty of Commerce and appointed Mr G W Reid as its first Dean. The Faculty was disestablished by Council in 1989 and replaced with the Division of Commerce headed by Professor Lyall McLean as its first Assistant Vice-Chancellor.
The School of Business was formed in August 2000 as part of the internationalisation focus of the Division of Commerce headed by Professor David Buisson who retired at the end of 2005. Professor Alan MacGregor became Dean of the School and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) in January 2006. Following Professor MacGregor's retirement in December 2006, the School is now lead by Professor George Benwell.
Since its early beginnings when the Faculty of Commerce only offered accounting as a subject of study, the School of Business now offers a range of programmes in accounting, business administration, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, health informatics, hospitality, information science, international business, management, marketing management, quantitative analysis and tourism.
In 2004 and 2006 respectively the School obtained prestigious international business accreditations through the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). These accreditations ensure that graduates gain a truly world-class business qualification that will be recognised around the world. [Top]
Guiding Principles
- Our programmes will fulfill the needs and expectations of undergraduates, postgraduates and life-long learners through their excellence, distinctiveness and relevance.
- Our research will be characterised by its quality and rigour.
- Our culture will be one of cooperation and collaboration with a common purpose that unites us.
- We are committed to developing our relations with Māori as Partners under the Treaty of Waitangi.
- We will ensure distinctiveness in our graduates through the ‘Otago Experience’.
- We will provide an environment for staff and students that is challenging, motivating, rewarding and exciting.
- We will develop mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders.
- We are committed to developing internationally and to benefiting our staff and students through internationalisation.
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