Rate My Professor Megan McPherson

Megan McPherson serves as the Director of Communications at the University of Otago, a role she has held since 2008. Possessing over two decades of experience in media and communications, her prior positions include employment at the Medical Council of New Zealand, British Airways in London, and Presbyterian Support Otago. She earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing. McPherson directs the communications team, Te roopū pārokoroko, which oversees the institution's extensive media profile, generating more than 35,000 annual mentions with a circulation exceeding 161 million. The team has adeptly managed critical incidents, encompassing the Christchurch earthquakes, several student deaths, terror attacks, a graduation threat, and prolonged COVID-19 challenges, demonstrating her leadership in reputation management and public relations.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, McPherson guided the development of a dedicated website attracting 375,000 page views through over 600 updates, complemented by 100 television segments, 1,000 newspaper features, 3,000 international media placements, and 800,000 social media engagements. Notable accomplishments encompass the 2018 launch of the Media Expertise Database to bolster academic-media interactions, a 2019 alliance with newsroom.co.nz, and the team's receipt of the 2018 Collegiate Award for exemplary assistance to residential colleges amid difficulties. In 2022, McPherson garnered the Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff, acknowledged for her unflappable demeanor, extended work hours commencing before 7am and extending late, constant availability, and methodical crisis handling. A Member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (MPRINZ) and Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (CMInstD), she additionally contributes to the foundation trust of Columba College. Passionate about university communications amid evolving landscapes, McPherson's efforts profoundly safeguard and elevate the University's standing domestically and abroad.