Dedicated staff from ECU have been nationally recognised for their outstanding contributions to student learning in the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
Recipients of the 2023 awards were formally announced via video on Monday evening 26 February by Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd, AAUT Director Professor Angela Carbone, and all the Award Committee Chairs, including Professor Pip Pattison (Teaching Awards), Professor Liz Johnson (Citations), Professor David Sadler (Programs) and Professor Sally Kift (Career Achievement Award).
ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Rowena Harper said she was proud to see ECU staff acknowledged nationally in what is a rigorous assessment process.
"Our staff have excelled this year with a focus on highly authentic, future-oriented and research-informed practices that have demonstrably improved learning outcomes for ECU students," said Professor Harper. "I am so proud to see Dr Julia Collins and Mx Stevie Lane acknowledged nationally as among Australia's most outstanding university educators".
Each were honoured for their dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in teaching quality when they were awarded Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning:
- Dr Julia Collins for inspiring and innovative approaches to teaching mathematics: driving engagement and building confidence and success for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Mx Stevie Lane for leadership that enhances the student experience: ensuring visibility of and sustained commitment to underrepresented and minoritised groups in higher education.
This year, ECU also nominated Emeritus Professor Denise Chalmers for the Career Achievement Award for the significant impact of her near 30 years contribution to fostering, recognising and rewarding excellent teaching across the academic life cycle.
"Professor Chalmers' career in teaching and learning leadership began here at ECU and we were proud to nominate her outstanding contribution and passionate commitment to mentoring the next generation of learning and teaching leaders nationally and internationally. I am thrilled that Denise was awarded such an esteemed accolade to recognise her leadership in the sector.
"We join with the Universities Australia Awards Committee in congratulating the winners. Our committed staff inspire and educate almost one and a half million students each year and deserve our heartfelt thanks."