All systems go as CUC Parkes recruits Centre Manager

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Parkes board is proud to announce the recruitment of its new Centre Manager, Jacob Cass, who hit the ground running in the role on 12 October 2020.

The CUC Parkes was given the green light through combined NSW Government, and Commonwealth support announced earlier this year. The recruitment of the Centre Manager is a significant milestone as the Centre progresses towards establishment for students in the coming months.

CUC Parkes Chair, Tracie Robertson, said that the board was overwhelmed with interest in the advertised position and very happy with the outcome.

“There was no shortage of outstanding candidates. We received more than 50 expressions of interest in the position,” Mrs Robertson said.

“Jacob’s experience working as a Business Development Manager and Career Transition Assistance Coordinator for OCTEC Training Services which includes career guidance, teaching basic digital literacy and helping individuals choose and transition to employment or higher education, was a great fit and will prove extremely valuable in the role.

“He is passionate about increasing the participation of students in higher education, and we think he will be an excellent fit, supporting students considering studying for the first time and working with high achieving students too.

“Jacob has already hit the ground running. There is much to be done from here until we open the doors to students in early 2021, we’re extremely excited to have her on board.”

Mr Cass said that a significant motivator in applying for the position was the chance to give back to his community.

“I pride myself on helping people realise and achieve their goals. I am excited by the prospect of helping community members succeed in higher education,” Mr Cass said.

Mrs Robertson said that Jacob also has a rich marketing background and experience in counselling which he hopes to assist students through stressful periods of study.

“We believe that Jacob has the interpersonal skills and the experience to provide an outstanding service to students who use the CUC Parkes,” Mrs Robertson said.

“The wonderful new Parkes Shire library is already open to the public, we are excited to be a part of the precinct and expect to open the CUC Parkes’s doors to students before the end of the year. We’ll certainly be ready for semester I, 2021!

“Now we have Jacob on board, we’d encourage any students thinking about studying online next year to reach out and contact us to learn more about our Centre and how the CUC Parkes can assist you and your studies.”

Any interested students should feel free to contact the CUC Parkes Centre Manager, Jacob Cass, on Jacob.Cass@cucparkes.edu.au