In Brief
Smith UniSA's new Pro Chancellor
Mr Peter Smith has been appointed the first Pro Chancellor at UniSA. The University Council recently confirmed the appointment after legislative changes to the UniSA Act. Smith has been an active member of the University Council for several years and is known as a dedicated supporter of the University in many circles. His new title with strengthen his ambassadorial role for the University within the broader community, both nationally and internationally. Formerly managing director of British Aerospace Australia, Smith is now a private consultant with the defence industry and continues to operate his own broad business interests. Announcing the new position, Chancellor David Klingberg said Pro Chancellor Smith was a man of vast experience and skill whose networks and expertise will continue to be of enormous benefit to the University.
Staff promotions
The University Council and Academic Board have formally approved recommendations from the senior promotions committee and the divisional promotions committees that the following staff be promoted to the following postions positions as listed. Research Professor – Professor Brian Cheers; Associate Professor – Associate Professor Kurt Lushington; Associate Professor Jonathan Buckley; Associate Research Professor – Associate Professor Jonas Addai-Mensah.
Graduations honour UniSA leaders
The last week of March saw more than 4700 students graduate from UniSA at ceremonies in Adelaide. It was also the week when four of UniSA's most valued academic leaders were honoured. Professor John Ralston, Director the Ian Wark Research Centre, had his Laureate Professorship conferred. Professors Ian Davey, Alison MacKinnon and Robert Crotty were all conferred as Emeritus Professors acknowledging their long term contribution to the University and to its research profile. All three have retired from the University but will continue to contribute through research and consultancy.
Emeritus Prof Crotty began his academic career as a priest and has two bachelor degrees and three Masters degrees in history, theology and biblical studies, a postgraduate diploma in archaeology and a PhD in religious knowledge and theological education. He has recently taken on the role as Director of the Ethics Centre of SA.
Prof MacKinnon graduated as a Master of Education and completed her PhD studies with a strong focus on women's history. She was the Foundation Director of UniSA's Research Centre for Gender Studies and in 1997 the Hawke Research Institute. She was named a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in 2005, one of the highest academic honours in the field in Australia.
Prof Ian Davey began his academic career with a research focus on history and geography and worked as a school teacher after graduating. He later completed a PhD in the History of Education at Toronto University before returning to Australia to teach at Adelaide University. When he joined UniSA, it was as a senior manager and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research where his contribution has been enormous. He also led the University's international engagement, nurturing relationships and supporting both research and internationlisation with vigor and finesse.
Graduation photos can be found here.