Retiring Provost maintains links with USQ

Professor Ken Stott has helped USQ Fraser Coast in becoming an integral part of the community

When Professor Ken Stott drove out of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Fraser Coast’s car park for the last time on January 11, he was not saying goodbye to the University.

Although he has stepped down from his position as Fraser Coast Provost, he will continue his research in regional development, work-based learning and school leadership.

He was farewelled from the campus at a cocktail function attended by USQ Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baker, USQ Springfield Director Doug Fraser, Pro Vice-Chancellor from the University of the Sunshine Coast Professor Mike Hefferan, State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen and Fraser Coast Regional Council CEO Lisa Desmond.

Before arriving in Hervey Bay in 2005, Professor Stott led the training of Singapore’s school principals when he worked in a senior university position there.

He was seen as one of the top researchers in the world in his field, so he welcomes a return to some serious study.

While at USQ Fraser Coast he was instrumental in helping to cement its place in the community.

‘The Campus is not only well known now, but people appreciate the value of having a university here,’ he said.

‘The Fraser Coast Regional Council appreciates Hervey Bay being a university city and having a higher education facility on the Fraser Coast, so much so that it has put resources into supporting it through things like the Economic Development and Enterprise Collaboration (EDEC) research unit.

‘We have been able to bring a top professional in the field of economic development research here and get ourselves involved locally, nationally and internationally in economic policy development.’

During Professor Stott’s reign, the campus experienced growth in student numbers well in excess of 50 percent.

‘During this time we introduced new programs such as Human Services and the Professional Studies (Masters and Doctor) suite, which is one of the most innovative programs of its type in Australia. In the longer term, Professor Stott hopes to continue his association with this program by supervising doctoral students.

‘We also opened a state-of-the-art third building, which comprises a student hub, executive suite and technological resources for the use of all students from tertiary preparation to PhD students.’

Professor Stott said a major part of his job as provost was to develop relationships with significant people and organisations within the community.

‘I think the nature of that role has been to develop a professional image of the University through community engagement, providing a strong intellectual contribution.

‘I am confident we have done well at providing professional engagement with business, education, health, local government and other sectors of the community.’

Professor Stott said the campus was richly blessed with outstanding people who all played their own part in its success.

‘For me it has been a privilege to work in this environment,’ he said.

It was a bit of a culture shock when the family arrived on the Fraser Coast, but a pleasant one, particularly for 12-year-old Tim and 11-year-old Kaiting.

Professor Stott said they quickly realised that life was laid back in Queensland. Shops shut on weekends. People didn’t let their work life hamper their playtime. People worked hard but played hard.

He said where he particularly noticed a difference was on the region’s sports fields on a Saturday morning.

‘There are families everywhere with children taking part in sports,’ he said.

‘I hadn’t seen that before. The lives of Singaporean children revolve around their academic study.

‘There’s no time for sport or play on weekends. They are doing homework.’

‘That’s one of the many reasons we have grown to love Australia.’

Professor Stott is hoping to indulge in a bit more recreation too. An avid musician, he composed his own wedding music, and is hoping to rekindle his skills on the church organ.

His departure also coincides with a change of pace for his wife, Kim, who will be taking on her first full-time position as a university lecturer in law.

After an exciting seven years in Hervey Bay, including worrying episodes in hospital last year for both of them, 2012 marks the start of a new and daunting challenge for the Stott family.


Contact Details:
Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, +61 7 4194 3167