Farewell to Principal - Dr Andrew Stockley
Dr Andrew Stockley (Principal 1996-2006), left College House in October of this year, to take up a position at Brasenose College – Oxford University. It was with a great deal of sadness that the House said goodbye to BM at Leavers Dinner. Dr Stockley has served as Principal for ten years, he was also Senior Tutor 1994-1996 and Carrington Tutor 1990.
During Andrew’s time as Principal the College has undergone many changes. The personality and character of the House has been enriched under Andrew’s leadership.
Dr Stockley has a very strong sense of tradition and ceremony and he also has a great memory for names and events!
During his time as Principal, a number of significant changes and improvements have been made, both to the physical aspects of the House and also by way of establishment of new traditions. Among the many achievements during his term as Principal were the following:
- Refurbishment of student rooms
- Establishment of the position of Dean
- Re-establishment of College House Exchanges with Selwyn College in Dunedin. There are two exchanges , both sporting and cultural, which are now held every year.
- Re energized sports teams. There is now more enthusiasm and pride in sports at College House and teams all wear smart uniforms and compete admirably. The Margaret Wood Inter-Hall Cup has been won by College House for four years in a row.
- Cultural competitions and activities have been actively encouraged. A number of new traditions, for example The Robbie Burns Feast dinner, have been embedded in House culture.
- The Academic success of students has continued. Academic tutorials continue to grow in popularity and CH students consistently dominate the University Awards and scholarships.
Of course, other things in the 10 year strategic plan outlined by Andrew have also come to fruition, such as the completion of the new buildings housing the new Student Common Room and the Allan Pyatt Study Centre, and the establishment of an Alumni and Development Office.
Andrew fostered a sense of family amongst both staff and students, and he always strived to achieve a high level of excellence throughout the College, in students’ academic, sporting and cultural achievements but also through the appointment of staff and the maintenance of buildings and facilities. The staff and students of College House, both past and present, wish Andrew well in his new position at Oxford.