Biography
Dr Kylie Smith is Head of School – Education and Social Work at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), New Zealand. She has dedicated over 25 years to education and teaching, beginning her career as a teacher of children before transitioning to teaching adults MIT for the past 13 years. Her academic journey and research interests have consistently centred around fostering her own love of learning and supporting others in their own educational pursuits. Dr Smith’s Master of Education thesis focused on the practical implementation of mixed-age communities of learning. She is deeply committed to the Māori values of whakamana (empowerment/enablement) and pono (integrity); these principles guide her educational approach, fostering genuine and connected relationships with students and colleagues. As the current Head of School – Education and Social Work at MIT, she leads a diverse group of tertiary educators. Her leadership focuses on bringing out the best in each team member, creating a high-performing, goal-oriented team that places ākonga (students) at the heart of all they do while aligned to the same core values. Dr Smith is passionate about promoting excellence and ensuring that ākonga are well-prepared for their professional journeys.
Panel Presentation (2024) | Navigating AI in Higher Education: Multiple Perspectives from Policy to Practice
