Having migrated from Scotland to work at Charles Sturt University (CSU) 15 years ago, Professor Heather Cavanagh brings a global perspective to her new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor International Education and Partnerships.

 

The creation of this new position signals CSU’s commitment to becoming a global leader in higher education.

 

“It’s important to be part of the global higher education movement to influence policy in order to ensure that the curriculum we’re providing our students is exactly what the employers need,” Professor Cavanagh said.

 

As Pro Vice-Chancellor International Education and Partnerships, Professor Cavanagh will oversee international students on CSU campuses in Australia and programs through partner institutions in China, Cambodia and Malaysia, along with world-wide policing and theology networks.

 

CSU Global, a University initiative to encourage more students to undertake international study experiences is another important element of her new role.

 

“People no longer leave university, go into a single job and don’t move again,” she said.

 

”They are living and working overseas and the global economy means that graduates have to be able to complete globally and have the skills to work in a multi-cultural environment”.

 

Professor Cavanagh is also keen build relationships with multi-cultural community groups within campus footprints to support international students studying in Australia.

 

The other part of her role is strengthening CSU’s partnerships with TAFE and industry to provide clear pathways for regional students to access higher education.

 

“Up to 30 per cent of our students come through a TAFE pathway and our job is to make sure that those people leave with the same skills as those who come directly from school,” she said.

 

“It’s an area that is extremely important as it allows people to study locally for the first part of their education and then transition to Charles Sturt University to become fully qualified in their chosen profession.

 

“It minimises the cost for the student but also allows a smooth educational pathway that will ensure they are successful at the end of the day.”

 

Professor Cavanagh joined CSU‘s School of Biomedical Sciences in 1998 and has a research background in molecular biology, identification of antimicrobial compounds and commercialisation of research.

 

She has been the Sub-Dean International with CSU’s Faculty of Science, Associate Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, and was appointed Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science in 2012.