An educator and researcher who strives to improve health services for rural Australia has been named as the new Head of Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Albury-Wodonga.

 

Associate Professor Julia Coyle takes on the new role today, 8 June following the resignation of Ms Sue Moloney as Head of Campus earlier this month.

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Vann said, “Julia has been an outstanding member of Charles Sturt University’s leadership team, and I look forward to working with her in this new role”.

 

Professor Coyle is currently Head of the University’s School of Community Health, a position she will continue to hold. Trained as a physiotherapist in London, Professor Coyle practiced in rural Australia for 20 years and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

 

She leads a team who educate occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology, and health and rehabilitation science students at CSU. Her research is in two areas: injury prevention; and understanding and improving team practice to enhance health care, particularly for rural communities.

 

“I am excited about taking on this role, and look forward to enhancing and building upon the extensive partnerships we already have in the Albury-Wodonga region.  In particular, I am keen to extend work with the schools and employers of our region to help children realise their potential within our community.

 

“I am proud to be chosen to work with the dedicated staff on the Albury-Wodonga Campus who demonstrate Charles Sturt University’s commitment to working in partnership with our community,” Professor Coyle said.

 

In addition to her work on a number of CSU committees, Professor Coyle has been widely involved with the Albury-Wodonga community.

 

She has served as a Director of the Albury-Wodonga Health Service Board, a member of the Workforce Development Strategic Sub-committee of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, a member of the Community Advisory Board for the University of NSW Rural Clinical School in Albury, a Director of the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme, and on the Australian Physiotherapy Council Standing Panel of Reviewers. She also participated in the working party for the successful Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.