Mackay Christian College Principal, Pastor Craig Murison recently graduated from CQUniversity alongside his 20-year-old daughter Catherine.

The father and daughter duo are extremely proud of each other's achievements and were thrilled to be able to graduate at the same ceremony in Mackay.

Although this is a first for Catherine, Craig is no stranger to our academic regalia. He has already graduated twice from CQUniversity, firstly with a Bachelor of Education and then a Master of Learning Management. Most recently he received his Professional Doctorate, while Catherine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations) degree.

As an educator for 30 years, 28 of those as principal of Mackay Christian College, Craig knows all too well the importance of higher education in today's world.

"The research is clear that the life opportunities an individual will experience increase with each level of education they complete. While we all hear stories of the self-made person who makes it rich after failing at school, the reality is that these people are few and far between."

When searching for an institution for his professional doctorate three years ago, Craig couldn't go past CQUniversity in Mackay.

"I had completed both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with CQUniversity and had been happy with the quality of those programs and the level of support I had received. When I went looking for a place to complete my doctorate, CQUniversity was first on my list."

As for Catherine's journey, she said her parents' support was crucial to her success.

"I wouldn't have been able to complete my degree without mum and dad and it's great to be able to celebrate our successes together."

However according to Craig, Catherine's success was all hers.

 "Catherine needed very little help or outside motivation as she was studying, although we did engage in some very interesting discussions in the early stages of her various assignments.

"She is a very hard working person. She has worked diligently to complete her degree and has found employment in the area of her expertise."

Catherine is working in public relations positions at Mackay Christian College and Red Hot Electrical.

"It was very exciting to be graduating at the same time as Catherine. She has worked hard and achieved highly ... to celebrate together was a bonus," Craig said.