Vale to three Professorial Greats
As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra it is with great honour that I pay tribute to three of the University’s pioneering staff; Emeritus Professors Richard Norris, Phillip Hughes and Jennifer James who have all lost their battles with cancer in the last five weeks.
As you will read below, Richard, Phillip and Jennifer each made distinguished and lasting contributions in their chosen disciplines, and as future generations of students move through our programs they will benefit from the culmination of their wisdom, research and knowledge which infuses the curriculum and programs they so passionately created.
The University of Canberra Foundation has established three scholarships in honour of these former staff; with Richard Norris personally endowing funds to establish a PhD scholarship in Freshwater Ecology – a lasting legacy indeed.
Vale Richard, Phillip and Jennifer, and thank you for your significant contributions to our University.
Professor Stephen Parker
Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra
EMERITUS PROFESSOR RICHARD NORRIS
18 January 1951 – 19 September 2011
Richard Norris was a leading Professor in Freshwater Ecology, having been appointed to the University of Canberra (then the CCAE) by the late Peter Cullen in 1980. Richard remained at the University until his retirement in May this year, his most recent appointment being the Director of the Institute for Applied Ecology.
Throughout his career, Richard made a significant contribution to undergraduate and post-graduate education. He successfully supervised over 30 Masters, PhD and Honours students and taught freshwater ecology and river assessment for 25 years.
As a senior researcher, Richard played a leadership role in developing the University’s research profile. His impressive track record included nearly $15 million dollars in research income and over 270 publications.
EMERITUS PROFESSOR PHILLIP HUGHES AO
12 March 1926 – 11 October 2011
Phillip Hughes was a key figure in the establishment of the School of Education at the University of Canberra, having been the Head of the School of Teacher Education (CCAE) from 1970 to 1980.
An Emeritus Professor at the ANU, Phillip had degrees from the Universities of Tasmania, Oxford, a doctorate from New England and honorary doctorates from the University of Canberra and the University of Tasmania.
In later years, Phillip worked for the OECD in Paris and for UNESCO. He was author of over 39 books and more than 200 major papers; his passion was a continuing concern to achieve an effective education for all.
Phillip received UNESCO’s Comenius Medal for lifetime services to education in 2008.
EMERITUS PROFESSOR JENNIFER JAMES AM
28 May 1937 – 20 October 2011
Professor James was appointed the Principal Lecturer in Nursing Science at the University of Canberra (CCAE) in 1982. She was a pioneer in the role, bringing a wealth of experience in nursing administration, research and curriculum development.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, the University was one of the first institutions in Australia to offer a bachelor degree in nursing for pre-registration students and she was instrumental in developing our research profile in the discipline.
Jennifer was promoted to Professor of Nursing in 1994, in recognition of her international and national standing. Her commitment to nursing education was recognised in 1996 when she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia Medal for her service to Nurse Education.