Starring role!

Deakin University’s Professor Karen Starr has been honoured by the awarding of a Fellowship from the Australian College of Educators (ACE).

Professor Starr, the Chair in School Development and Leadership at Deakin University, received the Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to education at all levels across both the Government and Independent sectors in South Australia and Victoria.

She has recently published the landmark book Above and Beyond the Bottom Line: The extraordinary evolution of the education business manager.

“I don’t know who the nominators were but I’m very grateful for the nomination and award,” Professor Starr said.

“It’s nice to know that one’s work has been observed and recognised by peers in the education sector.

“It is an honour to receive a Fellowship, so I’m very proud of this announcement.”

As well as the personal recognition, Professor Starr said it was important that Deakin was also being recognised for its work in education development.

“It is important that academics have close connections and partnerships with professional associations operating in their area of expertise,” she said.

“These connections aid research by keeping us up-to-date with current policy shifts, issues, ideas, activities and events as well as developing and retaining links with key people and contributing to one’s own thinking.”

A Fellowship is one of the highest honours that the college can bestow. Fellows have been judged by their peers to have made a distinctive and outstanding contribution to education in Australia.

Professor Starr was appointed to then newly established Chair in School Development and Leadership at Deakin in 2006. In the role she supervises PhD and Masters students and carries out research in areas of leadership, school development, education policy and equity.

Read further information about the 2012 ACE Fellows