KUCHING – The United Kingdom-based Higher Education Academy (HEA) has appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Professor Janet Gregory, as a Principal Fellow.
The HEA is responsible for enhancing teaching and supporting learning in higher education. It works with governments, universities and other higher education providers to help and achieve change in learning and teaching.
In congratulating Gregory, Swinburne Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Linda Kristjanson said: “Your appointment to this prestigious academy is a credit to your teaching scholarship and brings recognition to Swinburne.”
“I am sure you will agree that Principal Fellowship is a great achievement for a member of the university; it recognises their ongoing commitment and contribution to student learning,” said HEA Chief Executive Professor Stephanie Marshall in her letter notifying Kristjanson of Gregory’s achievement.
According to Marshall, there are more than 84,000 Fellows in the UK and internationally, and Gregory is now part of a small but prestigious group of about only 685 who have attained Principal Fellowship.
Gregory has been at the helm of Swinburne Sarawak since July 2015. Prior to her current position as deputy vice-chancellor, she was the Professor of Learning Innovations with the Learning Transformations Unit at Swinburne’s home campus in Melbourne, Australia.
Her achievements include leading initiatives for changing practices in the design and delivery of courses to enhance quality through the provision of more innovative and engaging learning experiences for students.
Gregory also fronted the development of a fully online Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching which has enabled staff from all campuses to participate in professional development and achieve qualifications in learning and teaching.
She has extensive experience as an academic and manager within the university and has worked as a lecturer and senior lecturer in its Faculty of Business and Enterprise.
As the Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Higher Education at the university’s Lilydale campus in Melbourne, Gregory was instrumental in developing and delivering courses within a multi-disciplinary campus.
The HEA has worked with universities to develop the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education. Its recognition services make it possible for new or experienced teaching academics, those in leadership roles in learning and teaching, as well as other staff who support student learning to be recognised for their skills and experience.