Founding professor retires from Southern Cross University

One of the founding members of Southern Cross University and a leading expert in the field of fisheries management, Professor Don Gartside, has been made an Emeritus Professor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University.

Professor Gartside, the former Head of School of Environmental Science and Management, celebrated his retirement at a farewell function on July 12. He was one of four foundation professors of the University and was instrumental in the establishment of many of the University's programs since his arrival in 1984.

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said Professor Gartside had made an enormous contribution to the University and would be missed.

"Professor Gartside has helped shape Southern Cross University as an innovative and vibrant institution. He has contributed greatly in the development of new courses and in research," Professor Clark said.

Professor Gartside started the nursing program at the then Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education, as well as starting the Bachelor of Applied Science in Coastal Management. He also greatly expanded the sport science and environmental science programs, and introduced the Forestry degree.

In 1988, Professor Gartside started the Bachelor of Business in Tourism degree, one of the first degrees of its kind in Australia. The Tourism and Hospitality Management School has since gone on to win numerous state and national awards and is considered a leader in tourism education.

"I started the tourism degree, from the concept through to having it up and running within a year. That was a huge achievement and I'm very proud of that legacy," Professor Gartside said.

"I have had terrific support from my colleagues and admire and respect them enormously. I have been blessed with colleagues who are leaders in their fields and I certainly acknowledge their support and efforts in achieving these things."

Professor Gartside was born in Melbourne and completed Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD degrees at the University of Melbourne. He spent three years as a research associate at the Louisiana State University Medical Centre in New Orleans before returning to Australia where he worked as a researcher and academic in genetics at Melbourne University.

He then spent five years working with the South Australian Department of Fisheries, in charge of fisheries management for the State, before heading north to Lismore.

He has held various positions during his time at Southern Cross University, including Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science and Management, Deputy Dean of the Division of Health and Applied Sciences and Director of Operations for the Centre for Phytochemistry.

While being heavily involved in course development, Professor Gartside has maintained a strong research profile, publishing numerous papers and winning grants in the fields of fisheries, marine science and natural resource economics.

One of his main areas of interest is incorporating economics into the management of natural resources. In 1997 he took sabbatical leave and spent a year as a visiting professorial Fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of Queensland.

"I managed fisheries and I realised it had little to do with biology. It's mainly about economics. That's the most important part of how we use the resources of our planet. Humans usually make rational economic decisions about the things they do."

Professor Gartside said while he was retiring from the 'paperwork' he would continue to pursue his research interests and would continue supervision of a number of PhD and Masters students. He is also co-writing a book on fisheries management, which will integrate biology and economics.

"This is a retirement from administration. I'm just going on to the next thing and looking forward to spending a little more time on outside interests.

"I'm proud that I have helped establish and develop the science profile of Southern Cross University. We are disproportionately successful in research for our size and there is evidence of that in our success in the recent round of Australian Research Council grants that originated in the School of Environmental Science and Management.

"I'd like to see the university continue to prosper and especially foster its research credentials."

Professor Jenny Graham, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, said Professor Gartside's contribution to SCU was one of sustained excellence, innovation and capable management.

"His unstinting support of research and research training, outstanding leadership in new course development and excellent links with industry have been a great asset to Southern Cross University," Professor Graham said.

"But Don will also be remembered as a loyal friend, colleague and mentor who cares deeply about people and the quality of University life".

Media contact: Brigid Veale 66593006 or 0439 680 748.