60 seconds with… Elizabeth Deane

Elizabeth Deane is currently both Director of Learning and Teaching and Dean of UWSOnline within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio.

"The former role carries overarching responsibility for three important areas of learning and teaching support: the Maths Education Support Hub (MESH), the Hub for Academic Literacy and Learning (HALL) and the central Blended Learning team now to be known as the Digital Learning Hub," says Elizabeth. "I also chair a number of groups looking at key University-wide issues such as literacy, technology in learning and teaching, and student analytics as well as the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)."

UWSOnline is an important initiative that builds on our three-year investment in blended learning. Fully online programs commenced in 2015 with a significant number coming from our collaboration with the Open University UK, but will also involve a number of our existing courses moving from blended to fully online.

How long have you worked at UWS and what's the best thing about working here?
I started in January 2013 but I have worked here before!

In 1985, I joined the then Nepean CAE to teach the biological sciences (biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology) in the new Nursing programs which had just moved out of the hospital system. It was a wonderful opportunity; I had great freedom and as a consequence went on to set up a Biological Science program and a Department. Being one of a handful of women with a PhD, I was on every committee that moved and it was great for networking. In all I stayed here for 15 years before going on to Macquarie University and Australian National University.

The best things about UWS are still the same as they were all those years ago: the ethos of being here to provide educational opportunity in western Sydney (and as I was a working-class first-in-family kid, this has great personal resonance) and not being stagnant – UWS has never been the same from one year to the next!

Which campus are you based on?
I divide my time each week between Parramatta campus (two days), and Werrington North campus (three days), but like most staff at UWS I am everywhere!

What is your favourite place on one of the UWS campuses and why?
I like the riverside at Parramatta as well as the open fields around the Werrington campus – they just make me feel good!

When you're not at work, what will we find you doing?
Sleeping… Just kidding (maybe a little)! I have a big grown-up family and a few grandchildren, so most of my time is spent with my husband, the dog and the family.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I really can't remember having any aspirations at all!

What was your first job?
On the lolly counter at Coles and at a beachside café called The Cecil at Cronulla – now long gone and occupied by a block of units.

What has been your greatest success?
My family and having managed to juggle a satisfying and challenging career with these demands. And not without a lot of help from my husband!

If you could go to just one country in the world for a vacation, which country would it be and why?
Croatia. Earlier this year I spent one day in Dubrovnik and loved it; it has made me want to see more.

What is your favourite book, movie and/or album?
I don't have any. I am an avid reader and will read anything anytime!

If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be and why?
Someone who would cook it for me!