New Dean for DCT
Professor Suzanne Wilkinson has been appointed to the position of Dean of the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (DCT) - Te Ara Auaha.
Professor Wilkinson comes into the role after a comprehensive international search and selection process and follows her recent roles as Deputy Dean and Acting Dean of DCT.
AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, says Professor Wilkinson brings to the role an international reputation for research excellence and academic leadership.
“Suzanne is an internationally recognised researcher in disaster resilience, construction management, and infrastructure recovery,” says Professor Salesa.
“Since joining AUT in 2024 as Deputy Dean of DCT, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the faculty’s academic leadership, research profile, and external partnerships.”
Before joining AUT, Professor Wilkinson was Professor in the School of Built Environment at Massey University and Research Director of the College of Sciences. She previously held roles as Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Centre for Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction at the University of Auckland.
A member of Engineering New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Building, Professor Wilkinson has led major national and international research initiatives funded by BRANZ, MBIE, and other partners. She has also served as an expert advisor to organisations including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT), Auckland Council, and Hunter Water (Australia) and is widely regarded for her leadership in advancing women’s participation in engineering and construction.