The outstanding role Pro Vice Chancellor Christopher Madden has played in international education was formally recognised last week.
Chris was honoured with the ‘Excellence in Leadership in International Education’ Award at this year’s International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) Awards, held in Melbourne.
The award pays homage to his significant role in international education over the last 25 years and comes from Australia’s leading international education professional organisation.
This national award now acknowledges his contribution to collaborative relationships with many individuals and organisations within and outside Australia, which have led to significantly enhanced international education opportunities for students, teaching and research staff and practitioners.
He was described as “an outstanding example of an inspiring leader with a willingness to share his knowledge and mentor younger professionals and those new to the industry.”
Throughout his career, Chris has been well known for having the courage to put forward issues and opinions that may otherwise not have been raised in the public domain.
Chris believes this award is a reflection of both the strength of Griffith International — an outstanding international office recognised as such around the world, and the level of executive support in the University for International Education.
Chris is a member of the Universities Australia Deputy/Pro Vice Chancellor’s International Committee, and the Innovative Research Universities Australia International Committee. He was for many years Vice President, Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE), hosting their annual conference in Australia in 2010.
In 2011, he was selected as a member of the International Education Advisory Council (IEAC) formed by Senator the Hon Chris Evans to advise the Australian Government on the development of a national, long-term strategy for international education. Chris is also a member of the Australian Quality Framework International Alignment Committee formed in July 2012.
As Pro Vice Chancellor (International) at Griffith, Chris is responsible for international development, international policy, strategic planning, international projects, pre-tertiary and concurrent English language programs, development of global partnerships, international student recruitment, mobility and international student support.