Andy Vann has been appointed Associate Director of Corporate Information Systems in the Information Technology Division. The Corporate Information Systems section in ITD looks after maintenance of the large corporate applications such as PeopleSoft, Concept and the Helpdesk software.

“CQU, and higher education generally, are at a critical stage in their use of IT,” said Dr Vann.

“The really exciting opportunity is to develop an educational experience that can be delivered consistently to anyone, anywhere, anytime. IT has to be the foundation of this,” he added.

Vann worked in civil engineering contracting and consulting prior to completing his PhD at the University of Bristol in the UK and lecturing there in Structural Engineering. In 1996 he joined the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems at CQU fulfilling a variety of roles including Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning). In 1999 he joined the Project Renaissance team implementing PeopleSoft as Manager Strategic Change and later Project Director. After taking time out to tour Australia with his family, he has since last August been working in FSD managing the resolution of issues raised by the 2001 financial audit.

CQU’s background in distance education and in teaching excellence gives the university some clear IT advantages in the global market, according to Vann.

“Our challenge will be to develop our systems to give us the greatest efficiency, the best learning environment and the right management information. And to do it on a tight budget and ahead of the competition,” he said.