AFTER a successful first semester, the fledgling Country Universities Centre (CUC) Macleay Valley in the Kempsey Central complex is continuing its momentum - appointing a learning skills advisor.
This role will work with local students to improve their academic skills and provide learning support to their learning in a face-to-face capacity throughout the semester and beyond.
There was much interest in the role, but it was local woman Dr Ella Dixon who was the front-runner.
Dr Dixon has a PhD in Sociology from Macquarie University, and over 10 years' experience tutoring and lecturing in the university sector. She has worked at Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and Charles Sturt.
Ella left Kempsey after graduating from Kempsey High in 2005 to pursue higher education as there were no options to study locally; however, she recently returned to the Macleay Valley to settle down and raise her young son.
Dr Dixon said she was pleasantly surprised to see the opening of the Country University Centre in the heart of town.
"For me, this initiative is the first step in a much longer road to a more equitable future for our Valley," Dr Dixon said.
"Education broadens your horizons, gives you new insights and empowers you to seek meaningful and dignified employment and so being able to support rural students in their higher education journey is for me, an amazing opportunity."
The recruitment of a learning skills advisor will build on the learning community the centre is working hard to establish.
Dr Dixon said she was delighted to take on the role and will bring her passion for education.
She will work with students in a one-on-one capacity, and also run workshops focused on students' general academic skills, such as referencing, writing and exams.
"The culture of university life and the sense of community that can come from it is key to the whole university experience," Dr Dixon said.
"I'm so excited to be part of this space and really look forward to working with students to help them feel supported and inspired to complete their degrees."
CUC Macleay Valley chair Liz Campbell was chuffed to see the centre continuing to find quality candidates from the local community.
"Having two local women (Dr Dixon and centre manager Kinne Ring) working at our centre, both with a university education, is a testament to the skills and knowledge our people have here in the Macleay Valley," Ms Campbell said.
"This will continue to foster the learning community we are trying to build at the centre."
If you would like to register to use the CUC Macleay Valley and meet the new learning skills advisor, visit cucmacleayvalley.edu.au for more information.
To learn about registering and how the CUC Macleay Valley can assist you and your studies contact centre manager Kinne Ring at degrees@cucmacleayvalley.edu.au.
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