A man writing a book on an alternative to the dominant conception of God in Anglophone philosophy of religion has been put in charge of the Tauranga CBD campus development.

Associate Professor Dr Ken Perszyk has been appointed to the position of Academic Director – Tauranga Campus Development, by the University of Waikato.

Associate Professor Dr Ken Perszyk has been appointed to the position of Academic Director.

Ken is currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Victoria University of Wellington.

For the past 11 years he has headed the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science & International Relations - the largest School at Victoria.

He takes up his new position at the University of Waikato on 1 July 2016. Initial priorities in the role of Academic Director will be building relationships with University Deans and internal stakeholders as well as external stakeholders in both Hamilton and Tauranga.

'I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to develop distinctive, relevant undergraduate programmes/pathways that lead into appropriate post-graduate research degrees and jobs,” says Ken.

'It's crucial there is careful planning, not only in terms of what we will teach there, but in terms of services and infrastructure. We must plan for growth.”

Overall, the emphasis is on working in partnership, both internally and externally, says Ken.

'Students need a lively environment and proper amenities. That leads to partnership with the City Council and other external stakeholders. A vibrant CBD campus will energise the city and the entire Bay of Plenty region.

'The role is an exciting and important one, not only for the University, but for Tauranga and the greater Bay of Plenty. The Tauranga CBD campus development will be a definite game-changer.”

Originally from Wisconsin in the United States, Ken Perszyk has been Wellington-based since 1985, when he first moved to New Zealand to complete his PhD at Victoria University. He also holds BA and MA degrees from Marquette University, USA.

Ken's current area of research expertise is the philosophy of religion. Currently he is writing a co-authored book with Professor John Bishop from the University of Auckland

The appointment of an Academic Director is an important milestone for the Tauranga CBD campus and senior deputy vice-chancellor at the University, Professor Alister Jones, says he will work closely with Dr Perszyk on the campus development.

The University of Waikato is leading the CBD campus development on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Education Partnership. The new campus will open in central Tauranga by 2020.

'The Tauranga CBD campus development is integral to the future of the region and also significant for the future growth of the University,” says Alister.

'Academic programme development for the CBD tertiary campus is a priority for the University over the next four-five months and this provision will align with regional growth needs and activity.

'Students who are starting secondary school now will have great tertiary study options in the Bay of Plenty from 2020 with the development of the Tauranga CBD campus.”

Greenstone Group is managing the design and build of the campus while Jasmax has been appointed as architects. Internally, a University project team has also been appointed.

In conjunction with Greenstone Group and Jasmax, the University has recently held a series of talks with iwi, community, tertiary and business partners associated with the project to gain feedback and contribution to the vision of the campus.