Lauded artist Dagmar Dyck takes on tertiary role

Dagmar Dyck is swapping her art studio for the study halls of AUT, hoping to support Pacific students in their tertiary journey.

The textile artist has been announced as the new Assistant Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Pacific at Auckland’s University of Technology.

Dyck says working alongside Pacific leadership such as Fa’alogo Jacoba Matapo and vice chancellor Toeolesulusulu Damon Salesa was a major drawcard, and feels a sense of privilege and deep responsibility.

“For me, thinking about role modeling and people that are going before you and coming into places and leadership positions, this really stood out to me.

“We have got work to do in terms of ensuring that all our Pacific students that come through AUT, not only start well, but finish well.

“So really, whatever we can do to help support and bring through our incredible Pacific students, we're here for it.”

Ministry of Education figures from last year put university course completion rates for Pacific students at 69 per cent, compared to the national average of 86 per cent.

Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, the Tongan-German artist said the university tried to bring cultural understanding when addressing the needs of Pacific students.

“They’re a taonga to us and it’s our responsibility to ensure that they are set up well and set up for success in whichever field, whichever course they choose to do.

“So that takes really good building of relationships, providing good support, pastoral care … just the good things that we know, tauhi vā, sharing space.”

The university runs UniPrep, a course for graduating Year 13 students to prepare them for tertiary life. They also have dedicated study areas, a move that has caused controversy at other education providers.

“We have our vā Pasifika spaces, specific spaces within the university where we've been able to allocate those, and those places really matter.”

Dagmar Dyck (centre) with some of her colleages at AUT. Photo/AUT

Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Fa’alogo Jacoba Matapo acknowledged Dyck’s “remarkable journey and strengths in Pacific education, and we look forward to her guidance and leadership in this new role”.

“As a highly respected artist and advocate, she is passionate about how creative practices can empower and engage Pacific learners, enhancing their educational success.”

Dyck will still be creating, but admitted some adjustments might be needed as she settled into the role.

“There's probably some things that I need to concentrate first on with this role but I am still studying and still doing my artwork on the side which brings me much joy and it's not just the art making but it's the people that I love to work with.”