Professor Ursula Cheer

Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

Dean of the School of Law, University of Canterbury

"I drive my students to become involved with the sorts of activities and conditions likely to generate high-quality and deeper learning."

Ursula never planned to be a teacher and now “it is so much of who I am”. She entered law to go into legal practice but ventured into the civil service before settling into the world of academia. In 2016 Ursula was appointed the Dean of the Law School where she was “formally and fantastically responsible for teaching generally”.

Her portfolio clearly highlights her amazing relationships with students and their success. She has used student feedback to consistently be more innovative and curious with the teaching of law and its place in society. Her consistent positive student evaluations and accolades from colleagues in the legal fraternity as well as her own experiences confirms her sustained commitment to excellence in teaching. “This is effectively and inspiringly, a journey without end.”

Video Gallery

Ursula Cheer - Recipient of a 2017 Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award