Rate My Professor Stephen Baughan

Stephen Baughan is the General Manager of the University of Otago Union, operating within the Campus and Collegiate Life Services division of the University of Otago. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago in 1993, following several roles in hospitality management. Baughan joined the University Union in 1995 as Beverage Manager and advanced to General Manager in 1999. In this capacity, he directs a comprehensive portfolio of commercial operations, encompassing ten cafes and retail shops, the Union Bar, Staff Club, Visitors Centre, Executive Residence Boutique Hotel, Conferences & Events, the Marsh Study Centre, and catering services for 2,550 students residing in eleven residential colleges. His leadership ensures the seamless provision of hospitality and support services integral to campus life.

Under Baughan's oversight, the College Catering team delivered over two million meals to more than 2,500 students across ten University colleges and nine production kitchens in 2024. This operation is supported by 295 staff members, including 50 qualified chefs, 45 front-of-house and food service assistants, and approximately 200 student kitchen assistants. A significant accomplishment that year was the commissioning of the new kitchen at Te Rangihīroa College, where the food service team catered to the inaugural cohort of 450 students. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the reopening of Arana College in 2025 following seismic strengthening, with the team poised to resume services. Beyond his professional duties, Baughan is an avid supporter of Dunedin club rugby, serving as Chairman of the Zingari-Richmond Football Club, and as a member of the Dunedin Club Rugby Council and the Metropolitan Junior Rugby Committee. His tenure has been marked by sustained contributions to the University's non-core commercial activities, fostering an engaging collegiate environment.