Rate My Professor Sally-Ann Howard

Sally-Ann Howard holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc), both from the University of Otago. She joined the University of Otago in 1993 as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Anatomy, with her title later changing to Departmental Administrator. She was the first person officially designated as an administrator in the department, having previously been secretaries in that role. Over her 25 years of service in the Department of Anatomy, she worked under seven Heads of Department, including Professor Gareth Jones who appointed her. During this period, the department underwent significant transformation, growing from a largely teaching-based, medically-oriented entity to a broad multidisciplinary organization with extensive research strengths and a large postgraduate student cohort. Howard managed human resources, assisted the Head of Department with administrative tasks, and supported her team in providing administrative backing for teaching and research activities. Her role evolved considerably due to the department's expansion, increased activity levels, and changes in University procedures such as eVision. She adapted efficiently, handling HR issues, addressing personnel concerns for staff and students, and serving as a primary advisor on University and Health Sciences practices. Her proficiency, expanding skill set, patience, and good humour ensured smooth departmental operations under diverse leadership styles, boosting morale and providing wise counsel to Heads, staff, postdocs, and external groups.

In 2018, Sally-Ann Howard moved from the Department of Anatomy to the newly established role of Manager Client Services within the University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, later advancing to her current position as Faculty Manager in the Faculty of Medicine. Her outstanding contributions have earned her major awards, including the Dunedin North Rotary Club Pride of Workmanship Award in May 2015 and the University of Otago General Staff Award for Exceptional Performance in August 2015, the latter presented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne at the Clocktower ceremony. Nominated by Associate Professor Christine Jasoni and Head of Department Professor Neil Gemmell, she was lauded for her competence, hard work, warmth, institutional knowledge, people skills, common sense, kindness, endless patience, astonishing work ethic, and routine extra efforts that go above and beyond. These qualities have made her indispensable, with colleagues stating the department could not function without her support, essential for its success and recognition.