After 22 years working for CQUniversity, Joanne Perry may have taken up her biggest career challenge yet. She recently was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience and Governance) leading a number of the University’s student-centred directorates and administrative areas, and supporting the Chancellor and University Council. Joanne has gained a vast array of experience during her time at CQUni from her first job in Finance through to her most recent appointment as the Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Division, and now as DVC. However, Joanne credits her biggest life achievement to date as raising her three children.
What was a recent highlight in your life?
|I would have to say being appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. When I started at CQUni nearly 22 years ago as a HEW3 in Finance, I never dreamed that one day I would be where I am today. We talk a lot about how CQUni changes the lives of our students – CQUni can also be as life-changing for our staff.
As one of CQUni’s inspirational women, who has inspired you in life? Why?
I am blessed to have many wonderful and inspirational people in my life – my family, friends and work colleagues. I cannot put it down to just one person as it is the sum of many people that have brought me to where I am today.
Who was your childhood hero and why?
When I think back to my childhood, it is my grandparents that I remember most fondly. My beautiful Nonna who was always ready to greet us with homemade ravioli and gnocchi; to my grandfather who was a WWII PoW – they were my true heroes.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
For everyone to be kind to each other.
How do you think women are making an impact on education in Australia?
As a mother, we can teach our children the value of learning new things every day – whether that’s at home, at school, at work or at TAFE/Uni. Keeping our minds open to learning new things makes us more understanding of the people and the world around us.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
Treat people how you would like to be treated.
What has been one of the biggest challenges of your career or life so far? And how did you tackle it?
Raising children! Not doing it on my own – having amazing support from my husband, parents, family and friends.
What was the moment that you knew you were in the right career?
I don’t think I’ve ever known what I wanted to be when I grew up! I have just worked hard, tried my best and been open to taking on new challenges.
From your experience, what would be the best advice you could give today’s young women?
Be confident, be resilient, be brave, be generous.
If you could achieve anything in this world, what would it be?
To ensure my children are healthy, happy and have a fulfilling life.
