USQ Congratulates Carrick winners

The University of Southern Queensland's strong emphasis on student learning has been recognised at the prestigious Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching.

Three individuals and two teams of USQ Academics were awarded Carrick Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

USQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Scholarship) Professor Graham Baker said the awards aim to heighten the status of teaching in Australia and are highly contested.

'The Carrick Citations, each valued at $10,000, are granted to people who have made a significant contribution to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility over a sustained period.

'USQ's receipt of five Citations is an acknowledgement of the University's commitment to excellence in student learning.

'It is also worth noting that the Citations have been received by staff working at all levels, from those specialising in the needs of commencing first year students, to those meeting the needs of undergraduates in specialist areas such as nursing and engineering, right through to those specialising in supporting postgraduate students.

'The University was pleased with this outstanding achievement, and hopes to continue this success with four nominees being considered for the Awards for Australian University Teaching later in the year,' Professor Baker said.

Please contact USQ Media to arrange interviews with individual winners:

Dr Lorelle Burton - For excellence in developing nationally recognised teaching practices and resources that inspire first-year students to actively engage in learning processes and develop critical thinking skills.

Ms Lyn Brodie, A/Prof John Worden, A/Prof Mark Porter, Mr Peter Gibbings - Educating Engineers for the 21st Century - successfully designing and delivering the world's first Problem-Based Learning course for distance engineering students.

A/Prof Andrew Hoey - For sustaining excellence and facilitating an effective learning environment by providing context and demonstrating relevance for biomedical students and nursing students.

Prof Gerard Fogarty - For 18 years' sustained commitment to enhancing training standards, teaching quality, and research supervision in departments and schools of psychology across Australia.

Dr Jill Lawrence, Ms Eleanor Kiernan - For sustained excellence and commitment to students' engagement, transition and learning in first year communication courses.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or 0412 097 326