Rate My Professor Laura Hewson

Laura Hewson serves as the Internal Communications Adviser in the Internal Communications and Channels team at the University of Otago. With more than 20 years of experience in publishing and communications, she has held diverse roles including Publicity and Marketing Co-ordinator at Otago University Press, Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator in the university press office, freelance writer for Otago Magazine and He Kitenga, online deputy editor for the Otago Daily Times, proofreader for Otago University Press, and sub-editor at The Dominion in Wellington. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Hewson joined the Internal Communications team in 2024, where she focuses on sharing stories about Otago undergraduates. Her career highlights include working for Otago University Press and magazines in Australia.

In her current position, Hewson produces 'Kōrero' feature articles and interviews for the University of Otago newsroom, highlighting student achievements, staff profiles, campus events, and community initiatives. Key contributions encompass 'Otago's leading lights celebrated' profiling 2024 student leadership award recipients, 'Global scholars making an impact through volunteering' on exchange students, 'Advocacy key for OUSA President', 'History in the making' with Professor Tony Ballantyne, 'Time magazine "girl of the year" exploring life at Otago', 'Are you well? Help is at hand' on mental health services, 'New grad moving forward with new-found confidence', 'Teamwork and trust key for new OUSA President', 'Alumni support gives exchange students boost', 'Afternoon tea with the VC proves popular with parents', 'Keeping an eye on politics', 'Great choices are just the beginning', and 'Different Minds, Shared Support Expo a chance to connect'. These pieces foster engagement across the university community.