Former University of Newcastle Deputy Chancellor Professor Ken Dutton has been recognised in the 2011 Australia Day honours list.

Emeritus Professor Dutton received the highest honour as a Member of the order of Australia (AM) for services to tertiary education.

He received a Medal of the order of Australia (OAM) in 2004 and his work since then earned him the higher honour in this year’s awards.

Professor Dutton began teaching French at the University in 1969 and enjoyed a distinguished career covering almost 30 years at the University. He held a number of positions including Head Department of French, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Dean Faculty of Arts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor.

The title of Emeritus Professor was conferred on his retirement in 1998.

Professor Dutton was one of 17 Hunter region residents recognised in the Australia Day honours list for their involvement and excellence in a range of fields.

He has written widely in the areas of literary theory, biography and cultural history.