Makes learning feel rewarding and fun.
Stephen Hall-Jones is Administrator Client Services in the Department of Accountancy and Finance at the University of Otago's Otago Business School, located in the Commerce Building at 60 Clyde Street, Dunedin. He provides essential administrative support to the department, including client services and assistance with academic matters such as paper stream changes for courses like FINC304 Financial Markets and Institutions. His contributions are frequently recognized in acknowledgements within PhD theses from the department, where he is thanked alongside other support staff for handling administrative tasks. In 2024, Hall-Jones received the Excellence by a Professional Staff Member award at the Otago Business School Awards, celebrating his outstanding service among professional staff.
Hall-Jones's career at the University of Otago began in 1986 with an appointment as Capping Controller by the OUSA president, leading to his pioneering role as the country's first full-time Social Activities Manager from 1986 until 1999. In this position, he professionalized student event management, introducing key innovations such as extending Orientation from one week to two weeks starting in 1987 to accommodate more activities, including sports day and the toga party. He oversaw union building events, nighttime bands, daytime lawn activities, and large-scale union concerts accommodating nearly 2000 people, which served as the primary income source for OUSA events. Prior to stricter health and safety regulations, events involved coordinated alcohol service through ticket exchanges and arrangements like a Speight's tanker parked outside the union, in cooperation with police. After leaving the social activities role in 2000, he served as Clubs and Societies Manager and then General Manager until 2003. He transitioned to university professional staff positions, including Manager of the Information Science Department in the Otago Business School, before assuming his current role in Accountancy and Finance. Hall-Jones is an OUSA Life Member, reflecting his lasting impact on student life.
