• Charles Sturt Associate Professor Deb Clarke elected Vice President of prestigious and influential Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA).
• Professional societies such as HERDSA are key to providing professional support, acknowledgement and growth opportunities during COVID 19
• HERDSA encourages and disseminates research on teaching and learning and higher education development.

A leading Charles Sturt University academic has been elected to the role of Vice President of the prestigious and influential Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA).

HERDSA is a scholarly society for people committed to the advancement of higher and tertiary education. It was established in 1972 to promote the development of higher education policy, practice and the study of teaching and learning.

Associate Professor Deb Clarke in the Charles Sturt School of Education welcomed news of her appointment.

“I am so honoured and excited to be elected as HERDSA Vice President,” Prof Clarke said.

“Aligning with my teaching-professional work status, I have contributed to HERDSA as a member of the Executive Committee, being re-elected for four terms of service.

“Teaching is my love and passion and I strive to build capacity of new scholars in teaching and learning through scholarship and professional learning opportunities.”

Professor Clarke said HERDSA encourages and disseminates research on teaching and learning and higher education development, and also works to build strong academic communities.

“This is a challenging time, and professional societies such as HERDSA are key to providing professional support, acknowledgement and growth opportunities for members of the academy,” she said.

“This year HERDSA is planning a series of webinars focusing on learning and teaching in times of COVID.

“The 2022 conference  will be held face to face in Melbourne, though there will be online offerings to cater for all members.”

Professor Clarke added that she was looking forward to supporting the President, Professor Kogi Naidoo, leading the Networks Portfolio and representing the broader HERDSA membership.