Dr Alison McIntosh
BUrbRegPlan (Hons) PhD (NE)
What’s your connection to the MidCoast?
I made a tree change to the MidCoast with my husband in 1985 after a corporate career in Sydney. We operated our 100 hectare property in Killabakh for 30 years, during which time I was involved in a number of exciting community projects at an executive level. Since our move to Wingham in 2016, I have continued to be actively involved in a range of community organisations.
In 1995 I commenced my undergraduate degree as a mature aged student. By 2005, I had graduated with first class honours, a university medal and a doctorate, all through distance education with UNE. This was immediately followed by a career in academe until my retirement in 2019.
Throughout this time - thanks to distance education and advancements in technology over the years - I have been able to remain right at home on the MidCoast whilst both studying and in academic employment.
However, it was never easy, requiring a great deal of dedication, discipline and support. My experiences have provided me with an understanding of issues faced by students studying away from a university campus, whether they be school leavers or of a mature age.
Why TUC? What does this project mean to you?
TUC connects university access with community support. Being able to successfully complete a degree via distance education - supported by a community-owned, local campus that goes to great lengths to facilitate such success - will energise our area.
Individuals will have a greater opportunity to experience the rewards of academic achievement as well as the enhanced career and employment opportunities that follow. Our region will see local graduates applying their skills in the communities that have supported them throughout their journey - it will truly allow our aspiring students to go further, close to home.
What does success look like for you and TUC?
My vision is for a greater number of MidCoast residents not only commencing, but completing their degree via distance education. At this time, only 18% of MidCoast students enrolled in university actually graduate. Only 16% of the area’s population has a Bachelor or higher degree (compared with 33% across New South Wales - 2016 Census).
We can - and will - go further than that. Not only will we see an increase in those numbers, we will do so whilst enabling students to remain close to their family, friends and community support networks. Moreover, by studying through TUC they’ll also have the chance to enjoy the campus camaraderie they might otherwise miss. In time, I am certain we will see greater numbers of students join TUC as well as an ever-expanding range of degrees offered by our university partners.
I am passionate about the success of TUC. We have a vision that is more in tune with the needs of our students, and more dedicated to their individual growth as well as that of our region. It is an ambitious project truly dedicated to connecting people to learning and opportunities close to home.