Professor Toeolesulusulu Damon Salesa, born in Apia, Samoa, has achieved recognition for his academic excellence. He recently received the honour of being appointed as an Honorary Fellow of Oriel College at the University of Oxford in England.
Having completed his DPhil in Modern History at Oriel as a Rhodes Scholar, Professor Salesa’s scholarly contributions were acknowledged by the college. His research focused on questions of inequality, history, politics, and education.
As the first Vice-Chancellor of Samoan heritage in New Zealand, leading Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Professor Salesa has prioritised ensuring equitable access to quality education. Under his leadership, AUT emphasises both academic excellence and inclusivity, aiming to provide opportunities to a diverse student body.
Professor Salesa’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting accessibility in higher education has garnered recognition both locally and internationally. His appointment as an Honorary Fellow at Oriel College highlights his significant contributions to academia and his dedication to empowering underrepresented communities.