22 September 2009
New titles good for reputation and research
Cooranbong, New South Wales
Brenton Stacey/Kirsten Bolinger
Three Avondale College staff members have earned new academic titles in recognition of their contribution to research and the college's quest for university status.
Drs Kevin de Berg, Rob McIver and Daniel Reynaud are now associate professors after a six-member panel, which included two academics at an associate and a professor level at Australian universities, approved their applications.
Avondale's first associate professors: Drs Rob McIver, Kevin de Berg and Daniel Reynaud. (Credit: Ann Stafford)
"It's a great honour," says Dr de Berg, who lectures in chemistry in the Faculty of Science and Mathematics. He received his title for his consistent contribution to scholarly literature in all major science education journals. "We're going to have a lot more responsibility when it comes to our research but I think we're pretty happy about that."
The change in title from senior lecturer means the three become research leaders at Avondale-their availability for heading research centres and teams, mentoring staff members and supervising post-graduate students should give them an advantage in applying for grants. They also receive more pay.
Dr McIver, the dean of the Faculty of Theology, speaks highly of the educational and financial help he has received. "Avondale takes a gamble on me by allowing me time to complete my research projects and I'm thankful for that."
Dr McIver's projects include researching tithing in the Adventist Church, the preservation of memories of Jesus and the transformation of theology students. He has also published in high-rating journals and books, developed links with collaborators at Australian Catholic University, and received a competitive, externally-funded research grant of up to $A500,000 through the Australian Learning and Teaching Council.
Dr Reynaud's publication of a range of books and other items, including three articles in the highest-rated journals, his long association with the National Archives of Australia and recognition as an innovative lecturer earned him his title. He notes while the title is "professional recognition of my educational status," it is also "another little brick in the building of a university institution."
"I've had a lot of support from Avondale," says Dr Reynaud, an expert in Anzacs and religion-he is currently writing a biography of Salvation Army chaplain William McKenzie-and a scriptwriter who lectures in history in the Faculty of Arts. "It has helped me balance my workload so I can research and then fund that research."
The conferring of the titles is part of Avondale's profile in addressing the criteria of the new national protocols for higher education providers. It will also improve the status of Avondale because "associate professor" is a title that has national significance.
"The criteria for making an original contribution to research at Avondale at this level is commensurate to the level of associate professors at any other university," says vice-president (administration and research) Dr Vivienne Watts.
She says she is proud of the three doctors "not only because they are good researchers but also because they engaged in research at a time when they didn't have to."
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