CUC Ovens Murray Appoints Centre Manager

Former Whitfield Primary School principal Mark Van Bergen has joined Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray as Centre Manager, bringing decades of education experience and local knowledge to the role.

His appointment marks an exciting milestone for CUC Ovens Murray which is preparing to open three dedicated learning spaces for higher education students in Corryong, Mansfield and Wangaratta next year.

“I’m proud to be part of an initiative that gives students the option of not having to move away for university study if that’s not what suits their lifestyle, or if cost is an issue,” Mr Van Bergen said.

 

“I have a real enthusiasm and passion for education and supporting people to succeed. What I’ve done at schools for years is to create opportunities for learning and growth and I’m excited to continue doing that for higher education students in our region.”

Photo – Former Whitfield Primary School principal Mark Van Bergen has joined Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray as Centre Manager.

Mr Van Bergen has over twenty years’ teaching experience, predominantly in North East Victoria coupled with experiences in Melbourne and China. He understands personally the challenges of studying remotely, having completed his Masters of Educational Research by distance learning.

“Learning online or by distance through any university in Australia doesn’t have to be an isolating experience. The CUC Ovens Murray centres will be a place where you can meet other students, access free learning support and technology, and have a space that’s conducive to study,” he explained.

Any student enrolled at any university in Australia can register to use a CUC Ovens Murray centre free of charge, with access to reliable, high speed internet and wrap around support. The three sites in Corryong, Mansfield and Wangaratta will open to students from Semester 1 2022.

CUC Ovens Murray also welcomed three new board members at its recent AGM – Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program executive officer Jacqui Bramwell, neuropsychologist and health lecturer Dr Werner Vogels and regional growth consultant Anna Stephenson. They replace outgoing members Susan Benedyka, Celeste Brockwell and Amanda Pagan.

CUC Ovens Murray locations opening in 2022

• CUC Ovens Murray (Wangaratta), Cusack House, Cusack Street, Wangaratta
• CUC Ovens Murray (Corryong), Corryong Innovation Hub, 6 Boundary Street, Corryong
• CUC Ovens Murray (Mansfield), Mansfield Adult Continuing Education, 145 High St, Mansfield