As 2023 draws to a close, Dr. Steve Mackay, the Dean of Engineering at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), unveils plans for the new year and in a heartfelt year-end wrap-up message expressing gratitude for the tireless dedication of EIT teams globally and the commitment of online and on-campus learners.
EIT Dean Dr. Steve Mackay: Bidding Farewell to 2023
As the curtain descends on 2023, a chapter marked by triumphs and successes for EIT, our dedicated team, and the aspiring students we proudly support, we stand at the threshold of a new beginning. In these moments of reflection and anticipation, Dr. Steve Mackay encapsulates the spirit of our journey, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the myriad achievements, both substantial and subtle, that have defined our collective experience.
In the year-end message below, Dr. Mackay eloquently captures the essence of a remarkable year and outlines our shared aspirations for the upcoming chapter. As we prepare to welcome the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will undoubtedly bring, let us collectively embrace the spirit of gratitude and enthusiasm that has propelled us thus far.
Below are the heartfelt reflections and 2024 aspirations from Dr. Steve Mackay to all EIT staff, its supporters, and its students both current and those about to join our community:
2023 and 2024: What Was and What’s to Come
“2023 has been a busy but exciting year, involving national and international travel for many staff and students. I am grateful to the EIT teams globally for their unstinting commitment to engineering education and our amazing online and on-campus learners for their dedication to their studies.
We have enjoyed two wonderful student graduations; in Perth and Johannesburg, and our conferences, with sister company IDC Technologies, are well and truly back. These were run in cities around Australia, in the UK, and in South Africa, covering topics from hydrogen safety and hazardous areas, to high voltage and earthing, to technology in learning or LearnTech.
Enthusiastic EIT team members traveled to a large number of countries in Asia and Africa where they provided information sessions. Seminars were held where I and others tackled AI in Engineering. These ran in South Africa and the Philippines, in Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, and naturally online.
It has been a great year of meeting incredible people; I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and passion for engineering and education that I have encountered. Thank you!
Our plans for 2024 are progressing, although some are moving a little more sluggishly than we had hoped. We are expanding our campuses and learning centers, with Brisbane (on the east coast of Australia), South Africa, Botswana, England, and the US in our sights.
Our application to provide South African bachelor degrees is well underway, as is our application for degree awarding powers in the UK (with the usual hurdles carefully positioned by the regulators).
The team in the head office and students on-campus in Perth are moving to newly renovated premises in West Perth in early 2024, and the South African team has just moved into a bigger building in Midrand, with space and lab facilities for students.
Self-accrediting status and unconditional re-registration for seven years have been recently awarded to EIT by the Australian Government. This is a pivotal achievement as it will facilitate the expansion of our offerings and our reach.
I would like to wish you a very pleasant break over the festive season and a stimulating 2024.
Please take good care of yourselves.” — Steve Mackay – (PhD) Dean of Engineering
Please note that all EIT offices will close on Friday 22nd December 2023 and re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2023.
