Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Jennifer Milam, sits down with Nexus to explain her horrifically long job title, and now we think she’s too funny and cool to work for the uni.
1. What do you do at the University? As Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, I am responsible for all aspects of the student experience and our educational offering.
2. What is the dumbest thing you did while studying? Live in a fraternity house with no other women. It wasn’t quite Bad Neighbours, but it was close.
3. What is the coolest concert you’ve been to? A Billy Idol pop up in 1984. More of a dance party than a concert.
4. Best hangover cure? Bacon cheeseburger and a cherry coke.
5. What are the biggest differences between Australian and New Zealand students and which do you prefer? Aussie students call you by a nickname within 5 minutes of meeting you. NZ students are less direct. All students are great in their own way, so I can’t choose.
6. What area of academia do you study and publish in? Art History.
7. Which is your favourite of the Hamilton gardens? They are all fabulous, but the surrealist garden is genius.
8. What is Nexus’ place in art history? Outsider art.
9. What’s the best place you’ve travelled and why? Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is the ultimate 18th-century city.
10. What does a perfect day look like? I have had too many perfect days to count since I moved to NZ. I had one last Sunday, kayaking off Cathedral Cove with my family.
11. Favourite bar in Hamilton? Bootleg (in Matangi)
12. Go to meal on campus? Oh bad question…I often forget to eat..not good.
13. Advice for students? Don’t be shy about asking for help.
14. Advice for students who want to be lecturers? Talk to as many academics as possible, so you have a full understanding of what is involved. A PhD is rewarding, but doesn’t always lead to a job. Follow your passion and keep different career pathways open.
