Title

Teaching and leadership excellence recognised with inaugural awards

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 18-4-2011

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle Campus

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Recognising excellence in teaching and learning across all of The University of Notre Dame Australia’s (UNDA) campuses was heralded for the first time at the annual Awards Night on Tuesday, 12 April.

The inaugural presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Teaching and Learning Awards marked a new chapter for the University when staff that went beyond the realms of their immediate duties were rewarded for their efforts.

Associate Professor Dylan Korczynskyj, Dr Martin Drum, Ms Janeen Murphy, Professor Neil Drew, Professor Peta Sanderson and Associate Professor Deborah Gare, all from the School of Arts and Sciences at the Fremantle Campus, were recognised for their use of international experiences to enhance students’ knowledge both academically and culturally.

Acknowledged for more than 12 years of dedication to enhancing student life based on the University’s Objects, the School of Education’s Senior Administration Officer, Ms Claire Donaldson, won the Services Supporting Student Learning category.

The Innovation in Curricula, Resources and Approaches to Student Learning award was received by School of Physiotherapy Dean, Professor Peter Hamer, for his provision of an authentic education experience to generate highly competent and professional graduates.

School of Nursing staff at both the Fremantle and Broome campuses were recognised for their use of technology to enhance student assessment and feedback in metropolitan, rural and remote communities.

The Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching were granted to Ms Deborah Pike (School of Arts and Sciences, Sydney Campus), Ms Glenda Cain (School of Education, Fremantle Campus) and Ms Wendy Scapin (School of Nursing, Fremantle Campus) for their excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Fremantle academic, Dr Rashmi Watson, also received an award for her excellence in postgraduate teaching.

The premier staff accolade, the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in University Teaching and Learning, was reserved for Associate Professor Maureen Mears from the School of Education at Fremantle.

Assoc Prof Mears was deemed the award’s inaugural recipient for her commitment to fostering, promoting and embedding the Catholicity of the University within teaching and learning contexts – described by her colleagues as an inspirational leader.

She said it was wonderful to be recognised for something she was passionate about and enjoyed.

“It is an honour and privilege to receive this award and I would like to thank Professor Michael O’Neill, the Dean of Education, Fremantle Campus, for nominating me; the Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, for endorsing the nomination and all those who have encouraged and supported me throughout my career in education,” Assoc Prof Mears said.

The Vice Chancellor commended all of the award winners for their exceptional commitment to the students and the University.

Media Contact: Leigh Dawson (+61) 8 9433 0569, Mob (+61) 0405 441 093

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