USQ shines at National Teaching Awards

Two University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Academics were recognised as the best university teachers in the country at an Awards ceremony in Canberra.

Associate Professor Andrew Hoey and Dr Lorelle Burton from the Faculty of Sciences were two of only 26 tertiary teachers in Australia to receive highly competitive and prestigious Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching.

'The Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching celebrate a group of the nation's most outstanding university teachers in their fields,' said USQ's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Professor Maurice French.

'In broad terms the categories include biological sciences, law and business, humanities and the arts, physical sciences, social sciences, Indigenous education, early career teaching and team teaching.'

Professor Maurice French said as part of the selection process applicants are assessed on their presentation skills and their deep contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education.

'To win one of these Awards you need to demonstrate excellence of teaching over a long period of time. It is a culmination of a long process of honing and enhancing and improving ones teaching.'

Associate Professor Hoey flew to Canberra for the presentation.

'It's exciting to have received this award as an acknowledgement of the learning and teaching at USQ and the feedback from colleagues and students that have encouraged me in the pursuit of high quality teaching,' he said.

Associate Professor Hoey and Dr Burton will receive $25,000 in prize money as part of their Award. This money can be used by the individuals for professional development.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or +61 412 097 326