USQ Springfield attracts experienced academics
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has welcomed two new Faculty Associate Directors at its Springfield campus.
Associate Professor Marie Kavanagh is the new Associate Director for the Faculty of Business (Springfield campus) and Dr David Cleaver has taken on the role of Associate Director for the Faculty of Education (Springfield campus).
Associate Professor Kavanagh initially joined USQ in July 2007 following a 22 year career at the University of Queensland in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law.
She was one of five inaugural program directors and the only female director involved in setting up the UQ Ipswich campus before making the switch to USQ.
While at UQ she was awarded the Business School's undergraduate teaching awards in 2004 and 2006 and was recognised by the Carrick Institute with national awards for outstanding contributions to student learning in 2006 and 2007.
In her spare time she is also Chairperson of the Status of Women Committee for the Zonta Club of West Moreton and is a member of the Board for West Moreton Anglican College.
Associate Professor Kavanagh said as part of her role as Associate Dean she would oversee all matters associated with teaching and learning, including program development and delivery at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
'We will be soon be announcing an exciting new program in the Faculty of Business that will set us apart from our peers,' she said.
'The new program is a response to changing industry demands in a period that recognises the environmental and social impacts business has on the community.'
Associate Professor Kavanagh said she is looking forward to establishing relationships with industry and professional associations, schools and business.
'There is a general buzz of anticipation in the region which is very motivating. The staff and local community are passionate about the success of USQ Springfield, making it a great place to work.'
Dr Cleaver began working with USQ in 2005 as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education.
'My background is principally in music and I have been fortunate to have an extensive portfolio music career,' Dr Cleaver said.
'This includes experience as a high school Director of Music, a tertiary pre-service music educator and also as a performing classical, pop, rock and jazz musician.'
After a career working professionally as a musician, David undertook a Bachelor of Music Education degree with Sydney University.
He graduated in 1997 with 1st Class Honours and received the ‘Conservatorium Music Education Student of the Year' award.
David's doctoral thesis received the University of Tasmania Dean's Commendation Award and also the Australian Society for Music Education's inaugural, biennial Sir Frank Callaway Doctoral Award'
'To continue my own interests, I hope to find time to engage in some of the music performance activities that take place here on campus.
'We are currently putting together regular lunchtime concerts that will be open to the local community to attend.
'There are so many fresh and exciting possibilities presented through being a young campus. I enjoy working with staff that are committed to developing innovative approaches to pre-service teacher training.
'I am particularly interested in discovering ways to help the students and campus identity to develop and unfold,' Dr Cleaver said.
Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979