New external engagement leadership role for Faculty

An internationally recognised researcher in audiology has been appointed as the Associate Dean - External Engagement for The University of Queensland’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences.

Professor Louise Hickson takes up the newly created role after nine years as Head of UQ’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Faculty Executive Dean Professor Bruce Abernethy said Professor Hickson combined an exceptional international standing in her field with an outstanding reputation for leadership and engagement.

“Professor Hickson has led the development of significant partnerships which have propelled the School’s position as a world leader in education and research in audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology,” Professor Abernethy said.

“A notable achievement is the key role Professor Hickson played in establishing a partnership between the Metro North Hospital and Health Service and UQ to develop the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service.

“The facility will be one of the largest tertiary specialist rehabilitation centres in the southern hemisphere – accommodating around 100 nursing and allied health students.

“Professor Hickson is an ideal appointment to this inaugural position because her passion for education and research, and her commitment to innovation will ensure she is well placed to develop the Faculty’s local, national and international collaborations and engagement activities.”

The Associate Dean - External Engagement role has been established to provide strategic leadership and oversight to the Faculty’s range of external engagement activities.

It encompasses the strategic leadership of domestic and international future student recruitment, advancement and alumni engagement, faculty-wide marketing and communications, global engagement and the development and maintenance of external partnerships.

Professor Hickson will work with UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Mr Rongyu Li to ensure the Faculty’s engagement strategy is aligned with the UQ Strategic Plan (2018-2021).

Professor Hickson said she was excited to work with the Faculty’s high performing teams to develop new partnerships in clinical education and research and build on engagement initiatives in domestic and international student recruitment, alumni and philanthropy.

“Mutually beneficial partnerships are required to drive effective external engagement, so I am eager to ensure the Faculty is known as a constructive and collaborative partner.

“I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the Faculty and this great university.”

Professor Hickson is ranked number one in Australia and fourth in the world in audiology research and has 250 peer-reviewed publications, books and book chapters, an h-index of 30 and grant funding of $6 million. 

Media: UQ Communications, Kirsten O’Leary, kirsten.oleary@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 7436, @UQhealth.