CHAPMAN, Associate Professor Peter

The University of Tasmania has lost someone special.

Peter was a very fine scholar and teacher of Tasmanian and Australian history. His lectures caught the hearts and minds of his students, and he was the driving force behind the establishment of the Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies and many influential and highly respected publications.

Peter was also a firm believer in the collegial governance of the University and he turned this belief into action, being an active member of the Academic Senate for more than 10 years, and as a founding member and former president of the Tasmanian Branch of the NTEU. He was also a former President of the University Club, where he had an enduring presence and could always be found among colleagues at Table 13 in animated discussion about the University and its ways.

Peter was renowned for his advocacy for academic freedom, actively demonstrating why this mattered and taking every opportunity to raise issues of concern with senior leadership. Always delivered with respect, passion and goodwill, his tenacity made a real difference.

The University is a better place thanks to Peter. So, too, Tasmania.

Thank you Peter – your legacy is huge, and your loss is felt deeply.