VC column: A year of milestones

Column piece published in CQ Today by Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp

Term 1 has kicked off at CQUniversity and I am delighted to extend a warm welcome both to our new students and those returning for another year. 

The beginning of the academic year is always a special time, and it’s wonderful to see our Central Queensland campuses buzzing with energy, full of new faces eager to embark on their tertiary education journeys. 

More than 5,000 new students are beginning their studies or training at CQUniversity this term. We've seen strong enrolments in undergraduate courses such as nursing, medical sonography and education, and in the TAFE sector, nursing, project management and accounting have proven to be popular courses.

On the back of an eventful few years at CQUniversity, 2024 is set to be marked with even more milestones.

You may have read in CQ Today that I have just celebrated five years as Vice-Chancellor of CQUniversity, and I am now launching into my next half decade in the role.  Our dedicated teaching, research and professional staff have achieved so much in a few short years, so I am very much looking forward to a hugely productive and exciting few years.

This year, we will also proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone in our history - 50 years of delivering distance education. 

CQUniversity has been at the forefront of providing accessible and flexible learning options, breaking down geographical barriers and empowering students to pursue their dreams from wherever they may live. As we reflect on this achievement, we are inspired by the countless stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through the power of accessible education.

Looking ahead, our dedication to providing quality education remains unwavering and we will continue to explore new ways to enhance the student experience, both on campus and in the virtual space.

2024 also marks a decade since we joined forces with CQ TAFE - a merger that has enriched our institution and expanded the range of opportunities available to our students. The integration of vocational and higher education, with pathways between the two, has allowed us to offer a comprehensive and diverse educational experience. We are proud to be Queensland’s only dual-sector institution, equipping our graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

I look forward to what 2024 will bring and in sharing our stories with you as the year progresses.