Inspired by the people in the agricultural industry and wanting to update her skills has led to Michele Jolliffe recently being named CQUniversity’s first Hamilton graduate.
Mrs Jolliffe was awarded a Bachelor of Agriculture after completing the degree via Regional Industries Skill Training (RIST) in Hamilton, where CQUni had a partnership to deliver the degree.
The option to complete the degree online and attend local practical sessions in Hamilton was the key to fitting the course around her roles that include running a livestock enterprise as well as a full-time job with Agriculture Victoria.
Previously distance and the requirements of other courses to attend residential schools "just didn’t suit me,” she said.
Time was at a premium and Mrs Jolliffe said the support from her husband was important as it was challenging at times to fit in lectures, assignments, family, farm and work commitments.
Mrs Jolliffe said her husband was also on hand to help her "see the bigger picture".
She also thanked her managers at work for allowing her to fit her work around the practical sessions.
CQUniversity Associate Vice-Chancellor of the Victoria Region Lara Carton said the University looked forward to continuing its strong commitment to the partnership with RIST.
“It’s great to have so many students studying diverse degrees with us in Victoria,” Ms Carton said.
Mrs Jolliffe said she had been involved in agriculture all her life.
She cited the passion and innovation in the agricultural sector which was "second-to-none and it is a wonderful industry to be part of".
After working in agricultural research and extension for more than 20 years and the agricultural industry, the people were always inspiring.
Mrs Jolliffe said she decided to complete an undergraduate degree in the field as she wanted to update her skills and qualifications.
“I really did enjoy looking at topics from a different perspective - as a mature aged student, that has worked in the agricultural sector for so long, you tend to have certain worldviews - the degree challenged me to think more broadly about issues that are facing the ag sector.”
