Professor Nita Temmerman commences as Dean of Education

Professor Nita Temmerman brought the Melbourne weather and a wealth of experience with her when she returned to the University as the Dean of Education and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Regional Engagement and Social Justice) this week.

Professor Temmerman commenced her career at USQ in the early 1980s and returned to USQ from Deakin University in Victoria where she was employed as the Associate Dean of International Development and Partnerships in the Faculty of Education.

'USQ was my first academic appointment and I can remember being very excited about taking up that role. I now feel that same level of excitement about coming back,' Professor Temmerman said.

'I know the reputation the Education Faculty has and I am looking forward to learning more about its course offerings, strong community partnerships and the various research activities the Faculty is involved in.'

During her career Professor Temmerman has gained a reputation as an international expert in the field of Arts Education.

This interest has led her to author 14 Music Education books and over 40 publications in refereed international and national journals.

At present Professor Temmerman is a part of a $150K Carrick Project that is investigating the gaps that currently exist in Music Teacher Education.

'The Project is a joint initiative between USQ, Deakin University, Griffith University and The University of Tasmania and I look forward to continuing my involvement in that project,' she said.

USQ Vice Chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove, said he is delighted with the appointment and looks forward to working closely with her on the University executive team.

'During her tenure at Deakin University Professor Temmerman contributed to the strategic direction of the Faculty, increased international student numbers from 7 students to 170 students in three years and improved the Faculty's profile in international circles.

'Professor Temmerman was an invited reviewer for the Solomon Islands Primary and Secondary school Music syllabus and an invited expert Arts Education consultant for the Early Learning Centre in Singapore and Sri KDU Smart School in Kuala Lumpur.

'She is a member of the Australian Council of Deans of Education, the Australia Council for the Arts, Register of Peers, the Victorian Deans of Education, the Australian College of Education and the International and Australian Society for Music Education,' said Professor Lovegrove.

Professor Temmerman replaces Professor Frank Crowther AM, who retired from the University in July 2006.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628