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Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Queensland's Â鶹ÊÓƵ College is now up and running, following the appointment of its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Rod Arthur.

Mr Arthur's brief includes enrolling students in associate degree programs, initially in Business, in 2011.

Based at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ipswich, Â鶹ÊÓƵ College will expand options for school-leavers and mature-age students who want a Â鶹ÊÓƵ qualification but not a full degree.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, said Mr Arthur's strong background in education and training made him the ideal founding CEO for Â鶹ÊÓƵ College.

A graduate of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and formerly a Deputy Director-General of the Queensland Department of Education and Training with responsibility for training and TAFE service delivery; he has also been a TAFE College and Institute Director and a senior manager of TAFE Queensland.

"Rod is just the person to guide the University's expansion of choices for people who are keen to enter a new career or develop their existing professional skills," Professor Greenfield said.

"All associate degrees and other programs of the College will be quality-assured by Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Queensland.

"We are confident that its curriculum and its teaching will be high quality, and highly relevant to students and employers, as well as to regional, state and national economies," Professor Greenfield said.

Mr Arthur, who started as CEO on August 2, said he was excited about the opportunities that would arise from combining higher education and vocational education in one setting.

"Our programs will be built from the needs of the community and local industry, and I will spend the next short period talking with local groups – schools, TAFE and industry – to best tailor our offerings for 2011," he said.

After starting with associate degrees in Business at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ipswich, the College will plan to broaden its focus to include areas such as health, and deliver programs at other south east Queensland locations.

The Chair of the Board of Â鶹ÊÓƵ College, Professor Alan Rix, also warmly welcomed Mr Arthur to the position.

"Â鶹ÊÓƵ College will be offering a range of innovative options for students, and Rod Arthur has a wealth of experience in these fields," Professor Rix said.

"His understanding of the sector and his senior management skills will be critical in setting up the College and its operations."

Media contact: Mr Rod Arthur, tel: 07 3381 1551, mobile 0417 747 582, email or Professor Alan Rix, tel: 07 3381 1002, mobile 0438 518221 email a.rix@uq.edu.au