Southern Cross confers honorary doctorate to Warren Grimshaw AM

Mr Grimshaw was recognised for his services to education at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour graduation ceremony on Saturday 10 September 2022.

With an extensive career across the education field, Mr Grimshaw has been influential in the development of policy across schools, TAFE and universities. He has also been instrumental in the formulation of new approaches to teacher education, nurse education, and adult and community education.

Mr Grimshaw said he was honoured to be conferred the award of Honorary Doctor of the University.

“I’m really delighted and honoured to have this award bestowed upon me and I’m most appreciative to the University for making this decision,” he said.

He said his passion for the education sector was fuelled by positive outcomes.

“It’s great to see young people and not-so-young people develop and prosper in our first-class education system through schools, TAFE and universities.”

Professor Les Christidis, Head of Coffs Harbour campus at Southern Cross University, said Mr Grimshaw was very deserving of this prestigious award.

“One of the things that stands out to me about Warren is the energy he brings to his tasks. He’s proactive and is enthusiastic in every role he’s taken on,” Professor Christidis said.

“This award is well-earned. It’s a credit to the work he’s done in the region. It really is deserving, given how much he has been a champion for the importance of education.”

Warren Grimshaw with his wife Patricia.

Mr Grimshaw served as the Executive Director of the Coffs Harbour Education campus for more than 10 years between 1995 and 2005. Prior to that, he held numerous senior positions in the NSW Government’s education portfolio, including Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Ministry of Education and Youth Affairs and President of the NSW Board of Studies. Mr Grimshaw also served as Acting Chair of the NSW Education Commission.

Mr Grimshaw was a member of the Southern Cross University Council for more than a decade and in 2011 was conferred the award of Honorary Fellow for his contribution to Southern Cross University.

In 1994, Mr Grimshaw was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to education as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Grimshaw has served on various boards including the NSW TAFE Commission Board, NSW Vocational Education and Training Board, Chair of Mid North Coast Local Health District Board, Chair of North Coast Institute Advisory Council, Chair of Coffs Harbour Technology Park, Member of the Governing Board of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music and Honorary Fellow of Australian Council of Education Leaders.

He has lived in Coffs Harbour for the past 25 years.