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IPENZ Fellow retires after 32 years at Canterbury
University
Reprinted article from Chronicle, University of Canterbury
July 2004
Retiring Emeritus Professor Rob Davis FIPENZ (Civil Engineering)
says he will look back at his 32 years at the University of Canterbury
with some fond memories. He came to New Zealand from the USA intending
to stay three years - now he regards himself as a  Kiwi..
“When I first came the University was in a golden age. It was a
wonderful place to work. Everything ran on little more than a telephone
call – it’s a very different place now. Managerialism pervades
everything. Nevertheless the University still has some very positive points
- the study leave system, Erksine Fellowships and good students. Teaching
students has been my single greatest enjoyment.”
Professor Davis completed his undergraduate study at the University of
Nevada and his PhD at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, where
he began his academic career as a lecturer. In 1972 he arrived in New
Zealand and took up a senior lecturer position in the Department of Civil
Engineering. “It was very easy to settle here. Everyone was very
friendly and helpful, the lifestyle was, and still is, very pleasant.”
Professor Davis came with the intention of staying for three years. “At
the time I accepted the job I did not know a single Kiwi. Now I’m
married to one!”
Attracted to NZ university system
One attraction for Professor Davis is the New Zealand university system.
“In New Zealand the student population covers a whole spectrum of
abilities from mediocre to exceptional. There is no Oxford or Cambridge
to cream off the most intelligent students. Here we get students of all
abilities, including extremely intelligent ones - that’s what makes
teaching here so interesting.”
When Professor Davis was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor in appreciation
of his services to the University of Canterbury over 32 years, Chancellor
Dr Robin Mann said he was a renowned researcher and an exemplary teacher
in geomechanics, soil mechanics and earthquake engineering. Professor
Davis says he is proud of being a good teacher and imparting his knowledge
to students. “I have loved teaching and the contact with students
and great workmates has made my job worthwhile.”
Very well regarded in his field, Professor Davis is the author of two
books - Elasticity and Geomechanics and Plasticity and Geomechanics. He
has been a consultant on a number of high profile projects including a
review of liquefaction risk for the Waitara methanol plant; roading and
slope stability investigations on the Remarkables Skifield; liquefaction
risk analysis for Seaview LPG bulk storage facility; and designing earthquake
formulations on the Christchurch Telecom building.
His official retirement date was the 30 June, but life doesn’t look
like slowing down. Still with two postgraduate students and 450 scripts
to mark and plans for another book he hasn’t yet taken advantage
of retirement yet. “We have four acres in Oxford to potter around
on and have recently moored a boat in Nelson - my wife and I hope to become
more competent at sailing - so we have plenty to keep us busy.”
Not ready to give up teaching, Professor Davis also intends to maintain
a presence in the department as he is required.
Jane Lucas
ENDS
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