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Paul Thomas to become emeritus professor
The University of the Sunshine Coast is about to bestow a special honour on its founding Vice-Chancellor Paul Thomas AM, who retired in June last year.
Dr Thomas, who guided USC from inception to a thriving campus with more than 7,000 students in just 16 years, will become the University’s first emeritus professor.
This achievement will be celebrated at one of two Graduation ceremonies that will be held on Wednesday 20 April at the USC Sports Stadium.
Dr Thomas, who is currently visiting family and friends in Wales, said he was delighted about receiving the honour.
“It’s terrific, because no academic institution I’ve ever been associated with has meant more to me than USC does,” he said.
“To be formally linked with the University in this way is a great honour, and even more so because it’s the first one (emeritus professorship) from USC to be awarded.”
USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said this was a fitting way to honour the outstanding contribution that Dr Thomas made to the University.
It will add to other prestigious honours he has achieved, including an Australian College of Educators Fellowship, a Paul Harris Rotary International Medal, a Centenary Medal in 2001, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award in 2007 for services to higher education and for the establishment of the University of the Sunshine Coast.
In March last year, Dr Thomas also became the first Australian Vice-Chancellor to receive the Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Leadership Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Becoming an emeritus professor means Dr Thomas will be able to retain the title of “professor” even though he has retired from academia.
— Terry Walsh