CQU Emerald farewelled Campus Coordinator Pat Moran at the end of December.

Ms Moran was also Head of the Arts, Health and Education Faculty in Emerald.

She has returned to the Rockhampton Campus as a senior lecturer.

During her 3-year stay in Emerald, Pat introduced and nurtured the Bachelor of Learning Management degree.

“It is so rewarding to see students commence university study, full of enthusiasm and hope, experience their ups and down along the way, and applaud them on graduation day. I am very privileged to have had this experience in Emerald,” she said.

Ms Moran's position in the Arts, Humanities and Education Faculty has been filled by Maria Palarto while Gai Sypher has been appointed Acting Campus Coordinator. Both Maria and Gai are locals and well known to many in the region.

At a meeting attended by CQU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennelle Kyd late last year, the Advisory Committee for the Emerald Campus agreed to investigate the possibility of introducing the full 3 years of the Bachelor of Accounting Degree. Currently, CQU Emerald offers only the first year of that degree.

According to Ms Sypher, this is a very exciting time for CQU Emerald.

\"The Central Highlands is a rapid growth region and Emerald gains benefit from this growth. Emerald is the only rural town in Queensland with a population of below 20,000 that boasts a TAFE, Agricultural College and University.

\\\"However, if the University is to remain locally it needs to expand current course offerings and develop new ones. To achieve this we need community support”.

Photo (above) Pat Moran and Maria Palarto.

Photo (below): Gai Sypher.