Helen appointed Principal Fellow to UK-based academy

CQUniversity’s Vice-President, Academic, Professor Helen Huntly OAM has been appointed as a Principal Fellow to the international Advance HE Academy.

The prestigious member-led, sector-owned charity works with higher education institutions across the world to improve learning and teaching practices and leadership for staff, students and the broader society.

Advance HE fellowships are awarded at four levels, with the PFHEA being the highest level possible.

Fellowships recognise the wide range of professional practice carried out by individuals who facilitate learning within a teaching, support or senior management role in the higher education sector.

In particular, the PFHEA reflects a demonstrated and sustained record of effective strategic leadership in academic practice.

Professor Huntly who recently celebrated 30 years of service with CQUniversity said that she was delighted to be recognised as a Principal Fellow by the UK-based higher education academy.

“I am delighted that my application was successful and that my career achievements have been recognised by my international peers”.

“I am honoured to have spent most of my academic career with CQUniversity, where I have been able to work alongside colleagues, who are committed to best practice in learning and teaching,” said Professor Huntly”.

The Bundaberg local also said she was also proud to have achieved many career milestones in her hometown, proving that regional areas provide great opportunities for education and career progression.

Prior to starting at CQUniversity, Professor Huntly was a secondary school teacher specialising in physical education.

Before being appointed as the University’s Vice-President, Academic, a role that heads up the largest operational division within the University, Professor Huntly held various learning and teaching, and management roles.

Notably, Professor Huntly played a critical role in the 2014 merger of CQUniversity and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE which created Queensland’s first dual sector university.

CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Klomp congratulated Professor Huntly by saying that she had been instrumental in the inception and delivery of several strategic projects.

“Helen is a valued colleague who has demonstrated strong leadership across several strategic projects.

“She is greatly respected by everyone at CQUniversity and within the communities we serve.
“Countless students have benefited from Helen’s vision and expertise and CQUniversity is very grateful for her ongoing contribution,” said Professor Klomp.

Outside of CQUniversity, Professor Huntly is a life member of the Bundaberg YMCA, having supported the establishment of the organisation in Bundaberg in 1988, and coordinating the health and fitness program there until the late 1990s.

In 2017, Professor Huntly was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to tertiary education in Central Queensland.

For more information on the HEA Principal Fellowship visit https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/fellowship/principal-fellowship