UC graduate named Rhodes Scholar
25 October 2011
University of Canterbury graduate Andrew Dean has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar for 2012.
Andrew Dean (right) with fellow Rhodes Scholars for 2012 Max Harris and Briar Thompson.
University of Canterbury graduate Andrew Dean has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar for 2012.
Andrew was one of three Rhodes Scholars Elect announced following a selection meeting held at Government House in Wellington last week.
Tenable at Oxford University, Rhodes Scholarships constitute the pinnacle of achievement for university graduates wishing to pursue postgraduate study at one of the world’s leading universities. In this country, the awards are administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara.
Andrew completed a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours from UC majoring in English Literature and Chinese and graduated last year.
At Oxford he intends to study for a Master of Studies in English followed by a full doctoral programme. He is particularly interested in the writings of authors Janet Frame, Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath.
Andrew’s other activities include an abiding interest in cricket, both as a player and as a coach, and being a Programme Coordinator for the Children’s Programme run by the Safer Community Council in his home town of Ashburton.
Andrew said the scholarship was “a life-changing award”.
“I am not just referring to the financial support, which is generous enough to assist me to undertake a DPhil in English at Oxford, but also to the huge range of extra-curricular available to – and expected of – Rhodes Scholars. It is a privilege, in particular, to be following in the footsteps of New Zealand literary figures such as Professor James Bertram, Dan Davin and Sir Geoffrey Cox – all of whom were Rhodes Scholars – and Oxford graduates John Mulgan and Charles Brasch. To be counted amongst such luminaries is humbling.”
Andrew said he was looking forward to being surrounded by the world’s best scholars and faculty in one of the world’s most prestigious universities, as well as taking part in “the much revered collegiate life”.
He was full of praise for the English programme at Canterbury for giving him a great start in his academic life.
“The department has been incredibly supportive throughout my time there. The staff have challenged and extended me academically and supported me personally. It is far more than an academic course of study to me: in analysing text I have learnt to analyse culture and society.
“I think that now, more than ever, we need the Humanities. As we recover from the earthquake we need to retain the theory arm of critical practice. Now, more than ever, we need analysis, evidence, and reflection – all of which the College of Arts specialise in – in order to lead our University and our city out of crisis.”
For more information please contact:
comms@canterbury.ac.nz.
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