This is not the case for Otago Polytechnic Dunedin School of Art (DSA) head Prof Leoni Schmidt.
Prof Schmidt has a rare kind of vision that has spread her reputation globally as an educator, academic leader and researcher.
Yesterday, Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga recognised her contribution to scholarship and leadership within the tertiary institution by conferring on to her the title of Emeritus Professor during a polytechnic graduation ceremony at the Dunedin Town Hall.
Prof Schmidt said receiving the title was a "great honour".
"Otago Polytechnic is a wonderful institution — vibrant, challenging, collegial, and innovative.
"Our focus has always been the students and how we can extend and deepen the knowledge base we co-create with them.
"Receiving Professor Emerita status is a great honour, for which I thank the institution.
"I look forward to remaining connected to Otago Polytechnic, where I have worked for many happy years."
Otago Polytechnic executive director Dr Megan Pōtiki said Prof Schmidt had a national and international reputation as an academic leader, educator and researcher.
"She exemplifies all the criteria for an Emeritus Professor.
"Leoni’s commitment to her students is legendary — she was awarded an Ako Aotearoa National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award in 2011."
Prof Schmidt joined the Dunedin School of Art in 1996 as a lecturer in art history and theory, and was appointed head of the school in 2009.
Otago Polytechnic approved a professorial appointments policy for the first time in July 2005, and Prof Schmidt was the first full professor to be appointed later that year.
As a researcher, her work has been widely disseminated within New Zealand and abroad.
She presented at many universities, including the University of the Applied Arts (Vienna), University Ca’ Foscari (Venice), the American University (Rome, Paris and Beirut), and the University of Sydney.
Her research was recognised by the International Arts in Society Award for Excellence in the Field of the Arts, in 2008.
Prof Schmidt was one of more than 600 people to cross the Dunedin Town Hall stage in one of two graduation ceremonies.
The ceremonies included graduations in apiculture, applied science, architectural studies, automotive engineering, applied management, beauty therapy, business, carpentry, cookery, culinary arts, design, early childhood education, engineering, event management, foundation skills, health and wellbeing, horticulture, information technology, massage therapy, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, professional practice, social services, sport and exercise, tertiary education, visual arts, and work-based learning.
