Central Queensland University Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock retires at the end of this month, leaving CQU well-positioned for a new era in Australian higher education under the leadership of incoming Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard, formerly of Southern Cross University.

CQU Rockhampton staff gathered yesterday for a barbecue function to farewell Professor Hancock.

Speeches were made by Chancellor Rennie Fritschy, Dean of Arts, Health & Sciences Professor Errol Payne, Head of Research Services Megan Barrett, Dan Coughlan from the Reconciliation Committee, DVC (International and Corporate) Professor Jack Wood and Dr Jeanne McConachie from the Division of Teaching and Learning.

The Vice Chancellor’s two daughters, Kate and Penny, were present at the function.

The first woman to hold a Vice-Chancellor’s position in Queensland, Professor Hancock joined CQU in 1997 as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She was appointed Vice-Chancellor in 2001 and since then has directed the delivery of quality education programs to more than 20 000 students.

Professor Hancock relentlessly pushed for the continuing progress of new generation universities, like CQU.

“The pervasive assumption that major universities can only develop in large metropolitan centres is a myth... A great university will be an integral part of its local communities, wherever those communities are located, and will simultaneously be a part of a global intellectual culture. One of its most important roles is to help make that global culture accessible to its local communities,” she told the federal government in 2002. “She has confirmed herself as a leader with strategic vision,” said the Honourable Justice Stan Jones, former Chancellor of Central Queensland University and long-time colleague and friend.

“Managing the complexities of this University with an expanding international focus is no easy task. The fact that Professor Hancock has achieved so much in a relatively short time is a tribute to her skill, character and courage and more particularly to her dedication and commitment all of which compels admiration,” Justice Jones said.

Under Professor Hancock’s leadership CQU won Regional, State and National Export Awards in education that recognised its value as a national centre for excellence based in regional Queensland. The University also consistently received high marks and 5-star ratings from the Good Universities Guides for student experience and graduate outcomes.

“These achievements,” the Vice Chancellor was quick to say, “are a direct result of the commitment and leadership of our staff, who have ensured that students and their programs of study continue to develop strongly in a period where there is much change inside and outside the University.” .

Professor Hancock received the national Most Supportive Vice-Chancellor award in 2002 from SIFE--Students in Free Enterprise Australia. [SIFE is a global organisation of students at more than 1600 universities who develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise.] Professor Hancock, who is committed to the sustainable growth of CQU, is herself a lifetime-committed educator. Prior to moving to her position at CQU in 1997, Professor Hancock was Executive Director, Schools in South Australia (1994-1997); Assistant Director-General, New South Wales Department of School Education (1990-1994); and prior to that, Commissioner, Corrective Services Commission of New South Wales. She was also on the Board of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation from 1995 to 2004. In May 1999, as CQU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Glenice Hancock led the development of a Green Paper on Distance Education and Flexible Learning at CQU that concluded “within a constantly changing educational, social, political and economic environment it is imperative that our structures and our processes encourage and provide maximum flexibility for our students, our staff and our community.” .

Five years on, and positioned for a new chapter, Central Queensland University continues to encourage, provide and deliver flexibility for its communities and its students. ENDS.

Photo: Chancellor Rennie Fritschy speaks at the farewell barbecue.

Photo: Staff gathered on the lawns behind the library to farewell Professor Hancock.