Vale Professor Frazer Allan
Professor Frazer Allan, 1966-2021.
It is with great sadness that we record the sudden passing of Professor Frazer Allan, from a heart attack, on Thursday 24 June 2021. Frazer joined the University as Head of School and Dean of the School of Veterinary Science in 2018.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Leith and his children Sophie, Fergus, Phoebe and stepson Felix. He is also survived by parents, siblings and extended family in Australia and New Zealand.
Frazer brought the worlds of private practice and veterinary education closer together during a distinguished career in the veterinary profession.
Born in Auburn, NSW in 1966, Frazer graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University, New Zealand in 1993 and completed a PhD in clinical nutrition. He worked in private practice for many years, honing his skills and developing a vast array of hands-on experience as a successful veterinarian.
From 2004 to 2009, he was Director of the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. During his time as head of the University’s Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences (2009 to 2015), Frazer was pivotal in the roll-out of an innovative new globally accredited veterinary curriculum, placing it amongst the top in the world.
In 2015, Frazer became Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) of Victoria University in Wellington, where he worked to strengthen relationships with the University’s industry and government partners, and the community.
Frazer’s experience in private practice and veterinary education made him an exceptional leader and asset to the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science.
Frazer was an inspirational leader, both in the School and at the Faculty level. He was admired by all as a leader who cared deeply for his staff and was highly influential in linking Vet education with Vet practice. He will be missed by all, but his legacy of an exceptional Vet School will remain.
The Vice-Chancellor, Stephen Garton, said, “This is deeply shocking and upsetting news. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Frazer’s loved ones, colleagues in the School and everyone across the University of Sydney community who had the privilege of working with and getting to know Frazer. He will be missed.”
Frazer was honoured with numerous awards during his career:
- 2017 New Zealand Veterinary Association President's Award
- 2014 Massey University Service Excellence Award
- 2002 Massey Doctoral Scholar
- 1997 Massey University New Technology Development Award
His passion for education and the dedication he showed to his students was inspiring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Frazer worked tirelessly with colleges in other countries to ensure that students stuck overseas could successfully continue and complete their studies.
