Flinders University students will have the opportunity to tap the vast political experience of former Premier Mike Rann following his appointment as a Professor in the School of Social and Policy Studies.
Announcing the appointment today Flinders Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber, said the University was delighted to have attracted Mr Rann to the University.
“Mr Rann’s 26 years in the SA Parliament included nine and a half years as Premier and ministerial responsibility for such portfolios as economic development, further education, climate change, Aboriginal affairs and the arts,” Professor Barber said.
“This great depth of knowledge and experience will give our students and staff a unique insight into the realpolitik of Parliamentary and party politics. Mr Rann has had his hands on the levers of power for several decades and this is a tremendous opportunity for students and staff alike to tap that experience,” he said.
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Phyllis Tharenou, said Mr Rann’s appointment as a Professorial Fellow would involve regular lecturing at undergraduate and postgraduate levels from March this year.
“Professor Rann will lecture and conduct workshops on the politics of climate change, voting behaviour and elections, environmental politics, social and strategic planning and social inclusion,” Professor Tharenou said.
“We particularly welcome Professor Rann’s insights, gained over many years, into the way governments work, how ideas and innovations are generated and sustained, and how public policy is devised and implemented. These perspectives will be invaluable for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at Flinders University, and is in keeping with our objective for relevant and dynamic course profiles,” she said.
Professor Rann said he was “both delighted and honoured to be involved with Flinders in areas ranging from Australian politics to social inclusion, climate change and other areas of public policy. Flinders is a national leader in the social sciences and I am looking forward to working with staff and students there in some of the university’s very innovative programs.”
I thought Professors had to have at least a Masters degree, let alone a PhD? Does this mean that anyone with a bachelor degree can claim a professorship? If not, it’s unfair to appoint someone to this level bearing in mind how the other academic staff had to achieve their qualifications. Jobs for the old boy network yet again.
The appointment of former Premier is good step forward not only to Flinders University benefit but also will be good opportunity to none Australian born students. This will be easy to post student like me to enteract with former Premier on under develop countries issues.
Once again I thank the board for well thinking decision.
Thank.
Dave