Civic Leaders and the University: State and Municipal Politicians’ Perspectives on Higher Education in Australia

by Anthony Potts

Universities do not simply arise from nowhere. Throughout history civic leaders have supported the establishment and growth of universities for a variety of social, political, economic and other strategic reasons. This is a study of a group of contemporary Australian civic leaders and their role in the establishment and growth of their local university. The book firstly details the historical and contemporary record that civic leaders have played in the foundation and growth of universities. It then examines the perspectives of a group of regional politicians from Australia concerning their local universities, specifically the University of Ballarat and La Trobe University, Bendigo. The discussion is framed in terms of notions of the self, identity and leadership in the network and informational society.

406 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2003

About the author

Anthony Potts was born in 1972 in South London. He is a new author who has just released his debut novel Eye on the Ball. The book is based on his experiences and insider's knowledge from his time as a Professional footballer. In the book he takes an uncompromising look at the harsh world of professional sports. On leaving school he joined Tottenham Hotspur on YTS forms before signing a 3-year professional contract. He left Tottenham in 1992 and travelled to New Zealand to play for Wellington United. Since returning to England he has played and coached semi-professionally for a number of non-league football clubs. He is a qualified football coach and has managed at academy level for Charlton Athletic. Injury problems meant that he had to retrain as a teacher in 1995. He has now been a teacher for more than 20 years at various Inner London schools. He is currently working as a Primary schoolteacher at an International school in Ningbo, China.