Two University of Queensland lecturers and one teaching program have been recognised as among the nation’s best at the 2014 Australian Awards for University Teaching in Canberra.
While lecturers, Dr Janette McWilliam and Dr Susan Rowland won awards for Teaching Excellence, the UQ Business School Master of Business Administration (MBA) program led by Professor Polly Parker took home the award for Programs that Enhance Leaning.
The awards, designed to recognise quality teaching and outstanding contributions to leaning, were announced by Senator the Hon Ryan Scott on behalf of the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Education.
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj congratulated the winners on their dedication to enhancing student experience.
“The number-one thing we do at UQ is to support talented and dedicated people with initiative, ” Professor Høj said.
“Our excellent teachers inspire our students to reach their full potential.
“Our alumni have benefited from the gift of knowledge from one or a number of teachers or supervisors, and our teachers have inspired many to share their gifts with others.
“We are proud of our excellent teachers and programs who have received these national awards.
“They will have an enduring impact on our students long after their graduation.”
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright said great teachers were intrinsic to the UQ Advantage.
“Janette, Susan and the MBA teaching team are excellent examples of UQ’s philosophy when it comes to teaching – ensuring students remain at the heart of what we do, ” Professor Wright said.
Both of the recipients have been recognised for the tireless work they put into their relevant fields with Dr McWilliam for her work in humanities and the arts and Dr Rowland for her teaching in biological sciences, health and related studies.
The UQ Business School, lead by Professor Polly Parker, won an award for Programs that Enhance Learning in the Postgraduate Education category. The UQ MBA program is currently ranked as one of the leading MBAs worldwide and number one in the Asian Pacific region, equipping graduates with the sophisticated skills in leadership and knowledge across multiple business disciplines.
