Lecturer’s new title to help college and colleagues
Brenton Stacey
Public relations officer
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
An Avondale senior lecturer’s new title will enhance the college of higher education’s academic profile and help other staff members integrate research with teaching.
Avondale’s latest associate professor, Maria Northcote.
Credit: Aaron Bellette.
Dr Maria Northcote is now an associate professor after Avondale’s council accepted a recommendation from her colleagues to approve her application. Vice-president (research) Professor Tony Williams describes Maria’s contribution as “a sustained commitment to producing quality outcomes in research, teaching and administration.”
The change in title from senior lecturer means Maria becomes a research leader at Avondale. Tony: “She not only conducts research but also collaborates with others and encourages and supports those who are new to this area.”
Maria feels humbled by the recognition. “I’m honoured by the faith the college has in my work and my abilities.” She particularly enjoys collaborating with colleagues across faculties. “Since we’re all working toward similar goals, this type of cross-disciplinary research helps to unite our efforts.”
The conferring of the title will help address concerns by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, the independent national regulator of the higher education sector, about the lack of senior academics at Avondale. “Maria has demonstrated a level of rigour in her work that would see her recognised as an academic leader not only at Avondale but also at a university,” says Tony. “As such, this enhances our profile.”
Maria joins Associate Professors Kevin de Berg, Rob McIver and Daniel Reynaud as academics who have earned the title at Avondale.