Maria Talaitupu Kerslake’s journey at UC is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Graduating from the University of Canterbury (UC) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Education and Sociology, Maria balanced the demands of part-time study with family life. Maria valued her experience at UC, noting it was well-organised and supportive. She holds a special admiration for Rob Stevens, her political science lecturer, whom she remembers for his engaging and insightful teaching.
After graduating, Maria worked full-time as a Senior lecturer in the Christchurch School of Nursing, teaching postgraduate nursing courses in Midwifery and Multicultural studies.
Maria and her family returned to Samoa in 1988, where she embarked on a pioneering career in academia. She began teaching Pacific History and sociology at the National University of Samoa (NUS). Her contributions at NUS were groundbreaking: she developed the sociology curriculum and played a key role in founding the Department of Social Sciences. Maria held key leadership positions within NUS, where she taught students for over thirty years, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts, a position she held for six years, before she was appointed to the Public Service Commission as a Commission member. As one of the first women in a leadership role in Samoan academia, she has blazed a trail for future generations of Samoan scholars and educators.
Today, Maria serves as Chair of the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) and chairs the Advisory Committee for the Faculty of Arts curriculum at NUS. Her leadership has influenced education policy and curriculum development in Samoa. She also contributes to her community through volunteer service, including work with the board of the Catholic Missionary Sisters’ schools in Samoa and membership on the National Professional Standards and Ethics Committee for the Catholic Church in Samoa.
Maria’s advice for future Samoan students is heartfelt: “Make the most of it, look out for the courses you want to take, make good choices, and seek help to learn as much as you can.” Her career and wisdom continue to inspire students to pursue their academic dreams and make impactful contributions in Samoa and beyond.
