Education high achiever joins international council

Bachelor of Education student Jessica Newbury has been elected chair of the Golden Key International Council of Student Leaders, representing all of the society’s students internationally including the Asia-Pacific, USA, Canada and South Africa regions.

In her new role, Ms Newbury is also acting student leader of the Council and Student Member of the Board of Directors, representing student voices at the highest levels of the society.

Golden Key is the world’s largest collegiate honour society, with membership open to the top 15% of university students, together with top-performing graduate students in all fields of study.

Ms Newbury says she initially joined the organisation to gain recognition for her academic achievements but was quickly inspired by other members who were serving their communities and becoming established as leaders.

The society’s annual Asia-Pacific conference was held in Brisbane earlier this year, where Ms Newbury was awarded 2019 Student Leader of the Year Award in recognition of her contributions academically and to leadership and community service.

Flinders University runs many local events and activities through its Golden Key Chapter. The University is also part of a South Australian Golden Key alliance with the state’s other universities, running collaborative events across institutions.

A mother of five and past state champion in karate, Ms Newbury is also a University mentor and has helped first-year education and biology students settle in to lectures.

She is also the Education Officer for Flinders Thinking CaPS, and was previously Outreach Officer.

Flinders Thinking CaPS is an academic association within the College of Science and Engineering for students who are studying physics, chemistry, forensics and nanotechnology.

In the final year of her Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary)/Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree, Ms Newbury aims to do honours next year and eventually become a leader in STEM Education.

“I was inspired to become an educator through my grandmother Grace Gogoll, who was a celebrated primary school teacher,” she says.

“When she passed away I was in awe at how many people she had affected in her lifetime.

“She involved herself in many different charities and causes, and was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need.”

 

Posted in
College of Education Psychology and Social Work College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences College of Science and Engineering