Two outstanding staff members from The University of Queensland’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law were among those honoured with 2019 UQ Awards for Excellence.
The annual awards acknowledge and celebrate UQ staff whose achievements reflect and support the University’s mission and values.
Excellence in Service award winner
BEL Facilities and Operations Manager Mr Scott Tucker received the Excellence in Service award for his dedication to delivering exemplary service to the UQ and wider community, and positively engaging in a range of initiatives designed to address issues with infrastructure, space and resourcing.
BEL Executive Dean Professor Andrew Griffiths said Mr Tucker’s award was well deserved.
“Scott has demonstrated many of UQ’s values, including working collaboratively with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve fantastic outcomes in the space and facilities area,” he said.
“I’m delighted that Scott is the individual recipient of this award and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for his efforts.”
Excellence in Community, Diversity and Inclusion award commendation
UQ Law School Senior Lecturer Dr Paul Harpur received a commendation for his service to promoting, researching and advocating for disability inclusion within the University and wider community, and through co-founding and chairing the UQ Disability Inclusion Group, which received the Excellence in Community, Diversity and Inclusion award.
Dr Harpur, who is legally blind, is an expert in disability rights, anti-discrimination laws, work health and safety law, and corporate social responsibility.
Intent on building a more inclusive University community, Dr Harpur’s work has led to the formation of the UQ Disability Inclusion Group, which he now chairs, and also informs how other groups across the University manage disability digital inclusion.
Professor Andrew Griffiths expressed his appreciation for the group’s achievements.
“I would like to acknowledge the work undertaken by the Disability Inclusion Group led by Dr Harpur,” he said.
“The group has achieved fantastic outcomes through the disability action plan, which has been implemented internally across UQ and within external organisations as a leading example of the type of work that we can do in this space.
“This group is really multidisciplinary and across all types of organisational units at UQ and their efforts should be held in the highest regard.”
Mr Tucker and Dr Harpur were part of a group of 121 staff nominated for this year’s awards – a record for the University.
UQ Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Al Jury said a diverse range of UQ staff have been recognised this year for their outstanding contribution.
“These awards highlight the integrity, creativity and professionalism of our staff,” he said.
“I congratulate all the nominees for their innovative work and exemplary leadership, all of which are a credit to the University.”
