New role to focus on student experience

Appointments

The University of Adelaide has a new head to oversee the student experience with the appointment of Professor Denise Kirkpatrick as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience).

Professor Kirkpatrick has an impressive academic record working at a senior level in open and distance, dual-mode and on-campus universities both in Australia and abroad.

Prior to taking up her appointment in May, she was Pro Vice-Chancellor at the Open University in the United Kingdom for nearly five years.

In her previous role she was responsible for designing and delivering learning materials for students and developing policies relating to the application of new media, quality assurance, and practice and teaching standards.

Professor Kirkpatrick was also Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at La Trobe University in Melbourne from 2005 to 2007 and has worked in a number of Australian universities, leading and managing learning and teaching including distance learning operations.

In announcing the University of Adelaide appointment, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic), Professor Pascale Quester, said the new role would focus on providing an integrated experience for each student.

"Professor Kirkpatrick has been at the forefront of creating and delivering strategies that recognise student needs and, more importantly, provide an environment that allows them to realise their potential," Professor Quester said.

"Bringing Professor Kirkpatrick to Adelaide is a key part of our commitment to transforming the student experience. Her academic background and unwavering student-centred approach aligns perfectly with our agenda to further enhance learning and teaching."

Professor Kirkpatrick said she welcomed the opportunity to support the University of Adelaide's investment in teaching and learning.

"I am delighted to be joining such a prestigious and well regarded university," she said. "I'm looking forward to working with a vibrant campus community and particularly to ensuring that we use Hub Central to its fullest.

"Technology can really make a difference to the ways in which students learn. I believe the University is really well positioned to provide our students with a rich, high quality, contemporary education," she said.