Sean Parsonage joined Flinders this year as HASS’s new Director of College Services. We asked about his efforts to build stronger connections between students, industry and the wider community, and why he thinks STEM categories should be renamed STEAM.
What is your role at Flinders?
I’m the Director of College Services (DoC) for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. My role is to oversee and manage the various services and departments that support students at the college. This includes ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and the needs of students and the college are met. I’m responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the quality of services and facilities, as well as managing budgets, staffing and resources. I work closely with other senior leaders at the university to ensure the college’s services align with the overall mission and goals of Flinders University.
Tell us about your journey to Flinders.
It’s been quite an eclectic and varied journey that led me here, but there has been a consistent theme of leadership, customer focus, education and training. After 16 years in the Australian Tax Office, mainly as an auditor, I was a Flight Attendant and Line Trainer for Ansett Australia. Then, I spent 21 years with TAFE SA, where I was the Head of Creative Arts for 10 years. I started as the DoC for HASS in January 2023.
What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy being able to identify opportunities and partnerships that will benefit our students, industry and the wider community. My motto is ‘there are no walls around Flinders University’. We’re open to collaboration for the advancement of our student cohort and the wider arts community and industry. I’m also an avid believer of putting an A into the STEM category to create STEAM. I believe the employees of tomorrow will need to have a diverse range of skills and an understanding of how these fit together, enabling connections between concepts and problem solving. 22nd Century skills may include connection, care, community and culture.
What inspires you in your work?
I’m passionate about making a difference through my work, and I’m results-driven. Connecting people, services, community and industry are integral to meeting the goals and mission of Flinders University.
What are three words you think people would use to describe you?
Sociable, perceptive and funny.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy Iyengar Yoga, running or walking through the Belair National Park, attending live theatre and musicals, and spending time with a cat on my lap.