The Executive Dean of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Faculty of Arts and Business has been elected to the board of a peak agency for the sector across Australia and New Zealand.

Professor of History Joanne Scott, who has worked at USC since 1997, has started a two-year appointment with the Canberra-based Australasian Council of Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (DASSH).

“I have been a member of DASSH since 2011 and am delighted to be on the board,” Professor Scott said. The organisation has 43 member universities.

“This will give me the opportunity to help shape debates in Australia about the arts, social sciences and humanities – all key fields at our University.

“I can share what USC is achieving as well as being ‘plugged in’ to emerging issues that will affect our University and Australian higher education.”

Her role will include working on submissions to government that will provide further insight into policy matters that may affect the University’s operations and students.

“I’m eager to present perspectives from regional and aspirational universities.”

The Executive Dean of USC’s Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Professor John Bartlett, is also a member of the executive of peak national body the Australian Council of Deans of Science.

— Julie Schomberg