USC journalism academics scoop $10,000 award
Two innovative University of the Sunshine Coast lecturers have earned a prestigious national award for their outstanding work in journalism education.
USC’s Head of School of Communication Associate Professor Stephen Lamble and Associate Lecturer Gill Cowden jointly received a $10,000 Australian Learning and Teaching Council award at Customs House at 4pm today (Monday 4 August).
The award is for creating innovative curricula and developing research-informed teaching resources to enhance graduate employment opportunities in journalism.
Dr Lamble said the USC journalism program helped students develop skills in print, broadcast and web media, and offered them work-integrated learning experiences with media organisations.
“USC students become multi-skilled. Almost all who have actively sought work in the field, have secured jobs,” he said.
Ms Cowden said the USC journalism program required students to undertake internships in media organisations, and this had helped numerous students gain employment.
“In developing industry partnerships we integrate the theory of journalism with practical experience to prepare students for the work place,” she said.
Dr Lamble is a former Sunday Mail senior journalist and bureau chief. He was one of the first journalists in Australia to research and write computer-assisted reporting-based investigative articles.
He said the award was more than a personal achievement.
“It reflects the invaluable work of all the staff in our journalism teaching team,” he said.
Ms Cowden was a freelance writer and web-site content developer and has taught online journalism at USC since 2004.
— Kerry Brown