The inaugural Head of USC Moreton Bay won’t have far to travel to her office – she already lives in the same suburb as the new campus.

Professor of Management Karen Becker, whose expertise is in human resource management, has called Petrie home for the past six years and officially started in her new role in mid-February.

Her responsibilities include fostering USC’s relationship with key community stakeholders, coordinating and supporting interactions between various disciplines and the community, and leading collaboration with USC staff (including at the University’s other campuses).

“I’ve seen this region really take off in a short amount of time – a lot of new development and new businesses – so it’s an incredible opportunity to play a part in the next stage of growth in Moreton Bay through this position with USC,” Professor Becker said.

“I made Petrie my home long before I started working with USC, so I got to witness the development and building phase as a community member.

“That perspective made me realise the ambition that USC has for Moreton Bay.”

Professor Becker joined USC at the University’s Sunshine Coast campus in 2018 and was soon appointed Deputy Head (Research and Engagement) of the USC Business School.

Widely published in journals such as Human Resource Management and the International Journal of Project Management, she brings 15 years of research and teaching experience to the Moreton Bay campus.

Before moving into academia, Professor Becker had an expansive career in business and human resource management consulting with the mining industry, professional services and banking sectors.

The daughter of third-generation farmers from Central Queensland, the business specialist also has an understanding and appreciation of strong regional communities.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge of regional business needs to the role, but also working to build awareness of what it means to have a university in your community,” she said.

“It’s not just about offering an education. The strength and impact of a regional university on its community can be profound, and you do not have to be a student to benefit from USC Moreton Bay.”