Dr Paul Beirne has been Dean of the Melbourne College of Divinity since April 2001. Previously, from January 2000, Dr Beirne was Associate Dean and Director of the MCD’s Advanced Ministry Studies Program.
As Dean of the Melbourne College of Divinity, Dr Beirne is the Chief Executive Officer of the College and is responsible for the educational and administrative affairs of the MCD, including management of its central administration; working in close coordination with the College Council and its Boards and Committees, as well as with the seven Recognised Teaching Institutions of the MCD; liaising with Federal and State Governments in matters relating to the MCD; and generally promoting the MCD to a wide variety of individuals and institutions.
Dr Beirne holds an MA in East Asian Studies from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, a Masters in Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary, and a PhD from the School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics at the University of Queensland. Dr Beirne is currently writing a book entitled Su-un and His World of Symbols: a Study of the Founder of Tonghak, Korea’s First Indigenous Religion, scheduled for publication in January 2009 by Ashgate Publishers in Great Britain.
Dr Beirne’s academic interests relate to East Asian religions and New Religious Movements in East Asia, and in particular, the symbols immanent in these religious traditions.
Registrar
Elizabeth
Anderson Dip Teach. Grad Dip
As Registrar,
Elizabeth is responsible for the operations of the administration
of the MCD. Based at Kew, Elizabeth works with representatives
of the Recognised Teaching Institutions, in order to maintain
the cohesive community of the MCD.
Elizabeth has worked in Higher Education Institutions both in
Australia and internationally and is interested in academic management
and the systems necessary, to support the teaching and learning
of those involved.
Director of Research
Dr Albert Haig BMedSc(Hons), PhD, MDiv
Director of Research
As Director of Research, Albert is responsible for the facilitation and promotion of research by staff and HDR (higher degree by research) students throughout the MCD. Prior to commencing at the MCD in November 2007, he had been a neuroscientist, a field in which he has 17 published articles. He graduated with a PhD in Psychological Medicine from the University of Sydney in 2002. After being involved as a founding scientist in a successful biotech company, he completed his MDiv through the Australian College of Theology (at Morling NSW Baptist Theological College) in 2006, and he is presently in the final stages of completing an MA in philosophy at the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the Andrew Campbell Prize for best postgraduate essay in metaphysics in 2006. He has one published article in the philosophy of religion.
Associate Registrar
John Bartholomeusz BA, DipEd, GradDipComp
Associate Registrar
John is responsible for the coursework administrative functions of the MCD. He works with the Academic Board and its Coursework Studies Committee, and liaises with the teaching colleges, their Deans and Coursework Coordinators, on course and unit administration. He also manages enquiries for admission to graduate coursework programs. John has wide experience in administration and information technology in the tertiary sector, and holds university qualifications in Education, IT and Arts.
MrsLewis is involved with all the
financial operations of the MCD
,
and is Secretary of its Finance & Development Committee. The preparation of the Annual Report is one of Tricia's major responsibilities
Fees for all
postgraduate degrees are issued annually or by semester; Tricia
appreciates advice from students in regard to unit changes and
any difficulties in meeting payments. Tricia
is also the person to approach with questions about FEE-HELP.
Tricia
has sought to develop close links with RTI
staff, especially the Registrars, and is seeking to ensure speedy
payments to colleges for their teaching and research. She also
handles payments to supervisors and examiners, day to day bills,
BAS and financial statements.
Tricia
usually works at the
MCD
office four
days each week.
Sophia came to MCD with her experience in higher education, after having worked for a number of years in Monash University and Charles Darwin University. She is responsible for MCD’s management of the systems and processes that support HDR (Higher Degree by Research) student selection, documentation and distribution of MCD research policies and procedures, along with the maintenance of all confidential HDR student records. As the Manager, Research Administration she services a number of MCD committees and monitors the regulations relating to research at the MCD, to ensure currency and accuracy.
Miranda provides administrative support to the Dean and Registrar, including State and Federal government liaison, all matter to do with overseas students, and ensuring that the Dean's office runs smoothly. Miranda also assists in the organisation of the annual conferral ceremony. She is in the office Mondays through to Thursdays.
Mrs Allinson
provides administrative support to the Associate Registrar, keeping
student records up-to-date, assisting with minutes for the Coursework
Studies Committee, correspondence, and enrolments.
Due to her wide range of skills and ready disposition, Rose is often called to assist with administrative support and her creativity.
ChrisNiven
works Monday - Thursday each week and her voice
and face will be the one most likely to greet people who telephone
or visit the
MCD
office.
Chris
handles a wide variety of administrative tasks and ensures the maintenance of the Kew office, using her useful practical skills. Chris manages the daily life of the office, through efficient resourcing and support.
