Springfield campus appoints Associate Director

Professor Marie Kavanagh appointed as Associate Director of USQ Springfield campus.

A well-credentialed business academic and proud Ipswich resident has recently (Tuesday 7 June) been appointed as Associate Director of USQ Springfield campus. 

Professor Marie Kavanagh steps into the new role created to coordinate community engagement activities and foster new research and excellence in academic quality on the campus while continuing on as a respected academic in the Faculty of Business and Law.

USQ Springfield Director, Doug Fraser, said the new appointment would allow the campus to further establish relationships with local industry and professional associations, schools and business.

'Prof 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,' Mr Fraser said.

'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 award in 2004 and was recognised by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council with national awards for outstanding contributions to student learning in 2006 and 2007.

'In her spare time she is a member of the Zonta Club of West Moreton and a member of the College Council board of West Moreton Anglican College.'

Mr Fraser said Prof Kavanagh had a long history of involvement with the local community having lived in Ipswich since 1970.

'In 2010 she was named an Ipswich 150 Ambassador on the city’s 150th birthday and was rewarded with a special plaque for her years of service to Karalee State School at the School’s 25th Anniversary celebrations,' he said.

'She was also honoured for her service to business education when she was made a Fellow of the Business Educators Association of Queensland.'

Professor Kavanagh said she is looking forward to establishing and further building on relationships within the community particularly the ever widening community that is so important to USQ Springfield.

'USQ Springfield is situated in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia with huge developments planned for Logan and Ripley and the western corridor,' Professor Kavanagh said.

'USQ is well situated to service the needs of both the residents and businesses that move into the area.

'There is a general buzz of anticipation in the region which is very motivating. The staff and local communities are passionate about the success of USQ Springfield campus, making it a great place to work. USQ is well known for the quality of its teaching and learning approaches but it is increasingly becoming stronger in terms of research capacity at the Springfield campus with consequent benefits for the community.'

Professor Kavanagh has always been active in the community and over the years has campaigned to build the Karalee State School, the school pool, the community hall and was a member of the steering committee to bring a university to Ipswich.

'Active in the sporting community Professor Kavanagh was also instrumental in the beginning of the Karalee Netball Club in 1985 and still enjoys coaching Netball.

'We now have two universities in the city, which is testament to how far Ipswich has come as a city.'

Professor Kavanagh said one of the best things about Ipswich was its down to earth, friendly people.

'I can’t walk down the street without meeting someone I know. The people are so friendly and go out of their way to help each other out.

'This support has been very evident since the January floods.'

For the past five months Professor Kavanagh has been very active as Vice President of the Karalee Community Association helping residents in Karalee and Barellan Point to recover from the floods.

As project leader for Rebuilding Operations she has been working with Ipswich North Rotary and some very dedicated members of the Community Association to provide building materials to residents free of charge.

'So far we have supplied gyprock for walls to 38 homes in the area. Our goal is to have all the walls back in homes by the end of November in time for our community Christmas party.

'Ipswich has developed into a very livable city with a strong community spirit. My husband Peter and I raised our two daughters in Karalee, which is a fantastic community,' she said.

Professor Kavanagh also has five grandchildren and is looking forward to one of her daughters moving back to Karalee soon to raise her own family in the suburb.

'I have always enjoyed being involved in community and I feel privileged to have been rewarded for doing something I enjoy,' she said.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096