Education is a passion for new head of Coffs Harbour campus

David Lynch is passionate about education - from training the teachers of the future to opening up opportunities to go to University, no matter what a person’s background.

Professor Lynch, who teaches in the School of Education, has also recently taken up the position as Southern Cross University’s Head of Coffs Harbour campus and is keen to further strengthen the relationship between the University and the community.

“What I’m really passionate about is education and opening up people’s eyes to the opportunities that are available to them through quality education,” Professor Lynch said.

“Here am I a professor, I got there on my merits but I also got there because my eyes were opened up to different possibilities. That’s my message - University is an opportunity that is available for everyone.

“And here in Coffs Harbour we have a wonderful facility that we share with North Coast TAFE and the Coffs Harbour Senior College. This unique arrangement means University is not just for high school leavers. Pathways into University now support the mature age aspirant.”

Professor Lynch has extensive experience in the field of education, as a teacher, a school principal and in higher education as an education researcher and innovator.

His own path into a University has reinforced his passion to promote the benefits of education.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do as a young bloke. The aspiration my parents had for me was to become a builder or an electrician so I started work as an electrician, but I realised that just wasn’t for me. It was an old English teacher of mine, who’d known me for a long time, who said you’re not an electrician – you’d make a great school teacher,” Professor Lynch said.

“So I went back to school and did grade 12 and did very well, because I actually believed in myself. Then I went to University, graduated and found myself doing something I love - teaching.

“I wouldn’t have got there if someone hadn’t opened my eyes up to what the possibilities could
be.”

Professor Lynch graduated with a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from James Cook University and a Doctor of Education from Central Queensland University.

His time as a teacher and then as a principal in a number of schools reinforced his interest in identifying what helps students succeed.

“The thing that really bugged me during that time as a school principal was that I had teachers who were working really hard, really cared for their kids, but that just wasn’t enough to get all the kids across the line,” he said.

“I said to myself why is it that some kids are doing well and why are some kids not. So I got into higher education and started doing my PhD.
I have written seven books to date on teaching and it’s this research and the research of others that is making a real difference for every kid in a classroom today.

“The learning sciences tell us that all kids can learn – even though we all learn at different rates and have different interests. Our teaching graduates benefit from this research – my goal is for no child to miss the opportunity that schooling at all levels represents.”

In his spare time, Professor Lynch, who is married with four children, is pursuing his other passion – building.

“It’s in my blood. I come from a family of builders so that’s my outlet. I’m building a house from scratch. In our married life we’ve probably had 16 houses because I renovate. My wife does get sick of moving – but it’s something that’s obviously in my genes,” he said.

“I love education but I come home and want to swing a hammer.

“I’ve bought a block of land south of Coffs Harbour and have built a house on three acres with a big lake in the middle. It’s designed to be eco-friendly and is all self-sufficient. When we go down there we have no carbon footprint. It’s great fun.”

Professor Lynch will be formally welcoming students to the Coffs Harbour campus on Wednesday, February 16, as part of the Orientation activities which begin next week. The inaugural Coffs Harbour Admittance Ceremony will also be held in conjunction with this welcome. This ceremony, which will include a procession of staff in academic dress, will signal the start of the academic year and provide a warm welcome to new staff.

The first session for 2010 starts on Monday, February 21

Photo: Professor David Lynch.