New Director of Colleges Services for the College of Medicine and Public Health Lorraine Karunaratne sat down with us to chat about what she’s excited for in her new role, and why sensible shoes are sometimes a job requirement.
What is your role here at Flinders?
I’ve recently commenced in the role of Director of College Services for the College of Medicine and Public Health. This is Week 11 for me, and I’m sure I still have that ‘deer in the headlights’ look.
What are you excited about in your new role?
I’m excited by the opportunity to apply my faculty general management experience in a College with such incredible scope and complexity across multiple sites. For fourteen years I have enjoyed working within the education sector, and the opportunity to support the College’s significant contribution to both health and education has twice the appeal.
It’s difficult not to be excited by the world-class facilities within the Health and Medical Research Building. I look upon the HMRB with awe each time I drive onto campus – but only fleetingly so I can keep my eyes on the road of course!
How did you get into this line of work?
I doubt any child has ever said they want to pursue a career in general management when they grow up! I began my career as a primary school teacher, then spent over a decade in paralegal and business management roles in the public sector.
Fourteen years ago, I had the opportunity to step into a university role aligned with my business and systems management experience, and I completed a Master of Education (Leadership) to support my progression in the sector. While my senior roles focused on university admissions and sector regulations, they continued to support the development of my broad experience in people leadership, policy and governance, risk and financial management, and business optimisation.
I stepped into faculty general management in 2021 and consolidated my experience with a Master of Business Administration to support my chosen path. That path has led me to the role of Director of College Services for CMPH, which seems like a rather good outcome to me!
What’s your favourite thing about working at Flinders?
Well, I have a few favourite things and it’s hard to pick just one!
I like turning onto University Drive in the morning and being struck each time by the sheer size and significance of Flinders. I’ve grown quite attached to my corner office with an excellent view across the treetops to the HMRB. I enjoy working with such an incredibly clever group of colleagues in the CMPH Executive Team, across the academic and professional staff teams, and in the University’s central units. I like the Station Express bus that can take me to the HMRB when I’m not wearing sensible shoes, and the opportunity to meet old friends, and new, for a quick toastie at the Student Hub caravan, or a more sophisticated lunch at Alere.
Mostly, I enjoy the community vibe on the Flinders campus, and the friendly nature of Flinders staff who ensure that newcomers feel welcome within that community.
Who inspires you?
With so many competing demands on our time, I am inspired by anyone who sets clear goals and sticks to them, regardless of what those goals may be. I am often inspired by the courage of family, friends and colleagues as they navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges, with their bravery a constant reminder for me to keep everyday problems in perspective.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I know that multi-tasking gets a bad rap these days (perhaps from those who have the luxury of only needing to do one thing at a time!) but when used effectively, multi-tasking can support excellent outcomes – like doubling your free time! I’ve learnt that watching Netflix every evening is achievable, as long as I walk on my treadmill at the same time. Finding time to read is challenging, but the problem is nicely solved by Audible, and makes my twice-a-day drive between Athelstone and Bedford Park something to look forward to. Preparing dinner is always more pleasant when accompanied by a glass of excellent wine. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture.
My favourite pastime though is just to hang out with my family and my little dog, and they generally get my full attention.