Uni in class of its own

SOUTHERN Cross University’s Founding Vice Chancellor has called on the Northern Rivers to embrace the “iconic” institution.

Professor Barry Conyngham AM made the comments before his address at the university’s Lismore graduation ceremony on Friday.

He believes Southern Cross could be more compelling to prospective students compared to “too similar” Australian universities.

“It was a very exciting time for us all when Southern Cross University came into existence 25 years ago and I remember the sense of creating something new, young, adventurous and imaginative,” he said.

“The best chance of continued success still rests in knowing how to identify what has changed and what has not ... offering something different while connecting to our region.

“Australia need diversity in its universities ... most universities in Australia do not differ fundamentally from each other. Regional universities, reflecting on the nature of their locations, should try to focus on proactively being different to the sandstones and metros.”