Tom Prebble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Prebble
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Prebble in 1993
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Thomas Kenneth Prebble
29 November 1945 Sussex, England
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| Died | (aged 75) Palmerston North, New Zealand
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| Alma mater | University of Alberta |
| Spouse(s) | Bonnie Dewart |
| Relatives | Richard Prebble (brother) Mark Prebble (brother) Antonia Prebble (niece) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Massey University |
| Thesis | The Jordan Plan: a case study in educational change (1975) |
Thomas Kenneth Prebble (November 1945 – 17 January 2021) was an important New Zealander who worked in education. He was known for helping universities run smoothly and for making learning easier for many students.
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About Tom Prebble
Thomas Kenneth Prebble was born in Sussex, England, on 29 November 1945. In 1948, when he was three years old, he moved to New Zealand with his family. His father became a vicar in Auckland. Tom had two younger brothers, Richard and Mark, and an older brother, John. His brothers also became well-known in New Zealand.
His Education Journey
Tom Prebble loved learning about how schools and universities work. He earned a special degree called a PhD in education administration in 1975. He studied at the University of Alberta in Canada. This degree helped him understand how to manage and improve education systems.
Working at Massey University
After finishing his studies, Prebble returned to New Zealand. He started working at Massey University in Palmerston North. He became a senior lecturer, which means he was a senior teacher and researcher in the Education Department.
In 1986, he took on a new role. He became the director of "extramural studies." This meant he was in charge of helping students who studied from home or from far away. He made it possible for many people to get a university education even if they couldn't attend classes on campus.
Later, in 1999, he became the first "principal extramural and international" for the university. This role meant he led all the programs for students learning from a distance, both in New Zealand and from other countries. He was promoted to a full professor in 1994. When he retired in 2004, he was given the special title of professor emeritus. This title is given to retired professors who have made great contributions.
Helping Education Grow
Tom Prebble did a lot to help education in New Zealand.
- He helped create Massey University's advanced study courses in education. These courses were the first of their kind in New Zealand.
- From 2008 to 2015, he was part of the board for Ako Aotearoa. This is a national centre that works to make teaching better in universities and colleges.
- He also served on the councils of other learning places, like Otago Polytechnic and UCOL. These roles meant he helped guide how these places were run.
- In 1994, he was recognized for his work and became a Fellow of the New Zealand Educational Administration Society.
Awards and Later Life
In 2019, Tom Prebble was given a special award. He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This award recognized his important contributions to education in New Zealand.
Tom Prebble passed away in Palmerston North on 17 January 2021. He was 75 years old. He left behind a legacy of making education more accessible and better for many students.
