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CeLTS director retires

Centre for Learning and Teaching Support (CeLTS) director Professor John Harris has retired from Monash after 27 years' distinguished service. Farewell functions to mark the occasion were held recently at Clayton and Gippsland campuses.

From left: Pro vice-chancellor -- Gippsland Professor Brian Mackenzie, Mrs Marilyn Harris, Professor John Harris and Professor Alan Lindsay.

Professor Harris' teaching career began in 1965 when he was appointed to teach chemistry at Yallourn Technical College, which subsequently became the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education -- the precursor to Monash University's Gippsland campus.

A keen interest in the delivery of distance education led to his involvement in many innovations in learning materials and support.

In 1991, Professor Harris moved into a management role in distance education, overseeing its development and expansion across all campuses. In 1999, he became director of CeLTS and has actively contributed to a wide range of Monash and external committees and working parties developing flexible learning.

Deputy vice-chancellor and vice-president (academic) Professor Alan Lindsay said Professor Harris had made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of student-centred flexible learning both on and off-campus.

"John's career has been marked by an enduring dedication to Monash and a deep commitment to students and staff," Professor Lindsay said. "During the last five years, he has successfully melded a diverse set of academic support units into one cohesive unit, that is, CeLTS."