Researcher calls for mindshift
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s top researcher for 2008 has called for a fundamental change in the way Australians, in general, think about the environment.Associate Professor Julie Matthews said sustainability must now be considered first—rather than last or not at all—in every human endeavour.
Dr Matthews, who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Outstanding University Researcher at USC’s Graduation Ceremony in April, said universities have a key role to play in promoting this mindshift.
She said universities should be leading society forward towards sustainable living, both through the education programs they provide and by their own examples of sustainability.“I’d like to see ‘eco-versities’, where everything is geared towards a future sustainable environment and where we make optimum use of the environment,” she said.
Dr Matthews is the Director of Research for USC’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She is an education sociologist, specialising in areas like refugee and minority education, visual research and education, and sustainable education.
In presenting Dr Matthews with her medal, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM praised her ability to challenge the status quo and provide evidence-based alternatives to improve the lives of all Australians.
Professor Thomas also presented the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Outstanding University Teacher for 2008 to physiology and anatomy lecturer Dr Ann Parkinson.
He said Dr Parkinson engaged her students in meaningful and active learning activities and was inspirational for students and fellow staff. “Dr Parkinson’s restless energy for improving students’ learning opportunities has led her to develop innovative curricula and pedagogy,” he said.
“Her students recognise her significant contribution to their learning, praising her friendly and personable nature combined with her ability to deliver topics with clarity and present them in an interesting and innovative way.”
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Honorary Doctorate for former Chancellor
Kilcoy pastoralist Ian Kennedy AO became an Honorary Doctor of the University of the Sunshine Coast at the 2008 Graduation Ceremony.
The award was presented to Mr Kennedy in honour of his lifetime of achievement as a business leader on the Sunshine Coast and for serving as USC’s Chancellor from 1997 to 2007.
Mr Kennedy is the owner of the Kilcoy Pastoral Company and his career has included working as Chairman of the Australian Meat Exporters’ Federal Council.
The 2008 Graduation Ceremony also saw award-winning agricultural businesswoman Martha Shepherd of Cooroy and former USC academics, Dr Paul Corcoran and Associate Professor Karen Brooks, become Senior Fellows of the University.
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