Two University of the Sunshine Coast lecturers have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to student learning in the prestigious 2016 Australian Awards for University Teaching.

Lecturer in Accounting Ratna Paudyal and Lecturer in Social Work Dr Athena Lathouras are among almost 110 of the nation’s leading academics and professional staff to be awarded the annual citations that are valued at $10,000 each.

USC’s Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Birgit Lohmann congratulated Dr Lathouras and Mr Paudyal for their exceptional achievements, and for their passion for teaching and dedication to student-centred learning and teaching at USC.

Professor Lohmann said Dr Lathouras was awarded a citation for her inspiring community-development approach to education.

“She was recognised for teaching with a passion for social justice that enables social work students to become agents of change.”

Dr Lathouras said that she continued to be inspired by USC’s students. "They will make positive contributions as change makers to our communities, locally and globally.”

Professor Lohmann said Mr Paudyal, who grew up in a remote village in Nepal and now lectures in accounting at USC’s Fraser Coast campus, was acknowledged for his collaborative, student-centred teaching and pastoral care.

“Mr Paudyal inspires and motivates students to succeed by developing self-belief and social capital in his business students, with a strong focus on meeting the needs and interests of those from underrepresented groups,” she said.

Mr Paudyal said receiving the citation was a great honour.

“Teaching is my passion, not just my profession,” he said. “I strongly believe that through education positive changes can be realised in people’s lives, as in mine.”

The successful recipients of the 2016 Australian Awards for University Teaching were announced this week by Federal Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham.

Mr Paudyal and Dr Lathouras will be formally presented with their citations at a ceremony in Brisbane on Tuesday 27 September.

— Clare McKay