Sue Court
When Sue Court descends the creaky stairs of the
University of Otago's music department for the last time, she
is adamant there will be no songs of regret.
The university associate professor in music and the associate
dean (academic) of humanities is leaving after nearly 30
years to take up the role of dean of humanities at Central
Queensland University, in Rockhampton, Australia next week.
Prof Court has been wandering the music department's
corridors since she began her PhD at the University of Otago
29 years ago, and for the past 18 years she has been a music
lecturer specialising in renaissance lute music, early
Italian opera, women in music and performance practice in
Renaissance and early baroque music.
More recently, she has turned her attention to more
administrative tasks and has been the associate dean
(academic) of humanities for the past two years.
It was following her three-month stint as acting
pro-vice-chancellor last year she discovered a new passion
for tertiary management.
"I was doing the pro-vice-chancellor job while the university
sorted out a replacement. I enjoyed it so much that I thought
I would look around for something similar."
Central Queensland University has campuses on the Sunshine
Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne,
educating more than 20,000 students.
Although it is a relatively young university, world-class
research in the areas of health, natural resources and
education are undertaken there.
Prof Court came to lecturing at Otago from a background in
professional classical guitar and Renaissance lute
performance in London (1972-80) and New Zealand (1980-85),
and she continues to play selected concerts, especially with
her mezzo-soprano partner Sarah Court.
Her new position in Queensland will give her more time to
enjoy performance guitar again.
"I'm looking forward to just having two jobs, as opposed to
three.
"I've been doing research, teaching and administration. It's
very hard to balance all three things.
"I love teaching, but it will be nice to have a break from
it. I'm looking forward to doing some more guitar playing and
guitar making."
While she was sad to be leaving her colleagues at the
University of Otago, she was proud of what she had achieved
during her tenure.
She was particularly proud of the legacy of knowledge and
interest she had shared with her students, which had allowed
then to grow as musicians.
"When I lock my door for the last time, there will be a
feeling of no regrets and a job well done.
"Although the door is closing on a satisfying job, another is
opening to another challenge, which I'm looking forward to."
Prof Court will give her final lecture today - MUSI 191,
Introduction to Music - one of her favourite papers.
"I've really enjoyed teaching that. It will be nice to finish
on a good note."
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