THE new Executive Dean for the Division of Business, Information Technology and Law (BITL), Professor Catherine Smith, joined Murdoch University in January.

Professor Smith has held senior positions in major companies in Britain, and recently worked for three years at the University of Newcastle, as Foundation Chair of Business and Head, School of Business at its Central Coast Campus on the northern outskirts of Sydney.

Having previously worked for nine years in Perth, Professor Smith comes to Murdoch with a strong grasp of the university’s reputation and standing in Western Australia and beyond. Professor Smith believes that the BITL Division has “enormous potential for stronger links with business and the wider community, with its broad range of staff experience and interests and five active research centres”.

In her new role, Professor Smith is encouraging the five Schools in the BITL Division to work collaboratively to create innovative interdisciplinary courses, and focus on research of significance to industry, commerce and the broader community. “BITL has performed well by tapping into the overseas market, but must continue to break new ground”, said Professor Smith. “We can’t underestimate opportunities in the areas of local industry and small business.

“Murdoch University has long been at the forefront of interdisciplinary education, and has unparalleled experience of producing graduates who can think across disciplines. Our programmes encourage students to develop a range of interdisciplinary approaches and interpersonal skills, which enhance their employability and potential for management roles. We now need to build on these strengths and ensure that our programmes are in tune with the changing needs of industry and commerce. By showcasing our cutting edge research, we will also ensure stakeholders in the wider community are aware of its relevance and value.”

Professor Smith is speaking from experience. Her background in New South Wales included leading a research team that investigated the training and development needs of local small businesses, and identified opportunities for the university to fulfil these needs.

“Our future growth depends on engaging the wider community, and developing external contacts will be a major part of my job here”, she said. Professor Smith is particularly keen to extend BITL’s relationships with professional associations, through ‘cadetships’, work placements, mentoring and other mutually beneficial arrangements.

“It is now crucial that BITL is widely viewed as an important player in the business community: we need to talk their language and respond imaginatively to their needs.”