When Michael Thompson first started working at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (DDIAE), his current area of work didn’t even exist.
Fast forward 35 years and Mr Thompson has since been one of the leading forces introducing new computer technologies at his workplace, the University of Southern Queensland, where he is now Director (Planning) in ICT.
And his work has just been formally recognised by one of the industry’s leading organisations in the Australian Computer Society (ACS), of which Mr Thompson has been appointed a Fellow.
An active ACS member since 1988, Mr Thompson was part of a small group who reformed the Toowoomba Chapter of the ACS in 2006.
The Fellowship recognises the work Mr Thompson has done at DDIAE/USQ and also in the wider industry in the Toowoomba region, according to ACS Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alan Patterson.
“Michael is highly regarded within USQ, the Higher Education sector and the local ACS community and is recognised for his experience and contributions,” Mr Patterson said.
In 2011, as Chapter Chair, Mr Thompson oversaw a research project with the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) to survey Toowoomba businesses to assess their perceptions of the NBN rollout impact.
Since then he has contributed to the Toowoomba Digital Economy Workgroup to leverage the benefits of the NBN Project.
“What we’ve done locally has been really important in providing additional networking and professional opportunities here,” Mr Thompson said.
“I suppose I’ve been very fortunate in where I’ve been, the people I’ve known and the people who have influenced me over the years.”
Mr Thompson said he was humbled to receive the award and proud of his achievements in his career — so far.
“To think how USQ has changed over the last 30 or more years is just astounding,” he said.
“Desktop computers didn’t even exist when I arrived here. But when I think about it, I suppose I’ve grown with it.
“And when I think about the calibre of the other Fellowship recipients — people I look up to — it’s a pretty nice feeling to think this award puts me in the same class as them.”
Media contact;
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977, jim.campbell@usq.edu.au
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