UOW academic bids farewell after 30 years

Oct 19, 2005

Professor Don Lewis has provided 30 years of exemplary service to the University of Wollongong and Faculty of Commerce, and his efforts were formally recognised recently at a farewell function held at the UniCentre.

Professor Lewis started his UOW career in 1976 and was appointed to the position of Associate Dean Teaching and Learning in 2002. Don was the recipient of the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in its inaugural year, 1991. He remains a gifted and innovative teacher and an excellent mentor to junior faculty as they embark on their academic careers.

As Associate Dean Teaching & Learning, Don has made major contributions to the Faculty of Commerce over the last three years. In particular he directed the improvements in academic governance and quality control and was the major architect of the 2004 revision of the Bachelor of Commerce, streamlining the major and minor programmes of study.

His research interests are in the fields of economics of health care, education and labour markets. He has over fifty refereed publications, contributions to five texts, eighteen other important publications (including government reports) and numerous contributions to both academic and professional conferences. He has also been awarded fourteen external research grants.

Throughout his years of service to the university, Professor Lewis served on a number of academic management and governance positions both within the Faculty and more broadly across the University. He also served on the Academic Senate, Academic Promotions Committee, University Education Committee, Graduate Studies Committee, Recurrent Resources Committee, Undergraduate Studies Committee, University Medal Committee, Working Party on Summer Session and the University Open Day (Chair). Within the Faculty, Professor Lewis was the head of Economics on three occasions -- Chair of the (previous) Faculty of Social Sciences, Chair of the Faculty of Commerce and a former Head of the Graduate School of Business.

Professor Lewis was also an important external ambassador for the University. His roles included local community service, such as his membership on The Illawarra Grammar School's governing board, and national service as President of the Australian Health Economics Society.