Whos who

Michelle Austin - Strand 2 Co-ordinator 

Michelle Austin is one of the 'lucky ones' who started working for the programme since its birth in 1999/2000. As the co-ordinator of the student ambassador scheme, Michelle started with just 10 students who were employed, trained and deployed to work on programme activities. Today the scheme employs some 200+ HE students. The scheme has been showcased at regional conferences and has had research undertaken with students published in a WP journal, and articles of good practice published in educational magazines and journals.

Prior to working in the world of WP, Michelle worked in overseas personnel for Save the Children Fund and as a recruitment consultant in London. However, her favourite post was as an overseas travel rep and coordinator. Lots of sand, sea and sunbathing in places such as Majorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Venezuela. Michelle's most embarrassing moment was being arrested in Venezuela due to a mix up with visa and working papers. A bribe of a packet of Marlborough lights soon saw her set free and making a quick escape into the South American sunset!

Contact details: maustin@marjon.ac.uk 01752 636700 (ext 5603)

Olivia Craig - Strand 2 HE Student Co-ordinator

Olivia took up her position as Strand 2 HE Student Co-ordinator in March 2005. However, Olivia's responsibilities are multi-varied and include the recruitment and deployment of student ambassadors and mentors on activities across the southwest and running the E-mentoring scheme.

Olivia never fails to be surprised by the different 'journeys' that many of the Peninsula Programme staff have been on prior to joining the scheme, and her own story is no exception. Having left Ireland as a geology graduate, Olivia pursued a career in petroleum geology in London for 3 years. Following a relocation to Plymouth, Olivia began working with Michelle Austin and Grace Adamson on what she considers to be one of the most rewarding jobs. Olivia is also pursuing a part time psychology degree with the Open University.

Contact details: ocraig@marjon.ac.uk 01752 636700 (ext 8214)

Grace Adamson - Strand 2 Administrator

When Grace left school (many eons ago), going to University was unheard of. Only those who were particularly talented or rich enough were able go to University.  shame the Aimhigher Programme did not exist then! Grace did however go onto Further Education at the local Technical College and completed a Business and Administration course. Her real ambition however was to join the WRNS. When Grace eventually plucked up the courage to join, she definitely found her niche in life and took to service life like a duck to water. During her time Grace did lots of fantastic things that she would never have done had she stayed at home - such as sailing round the Med in a Nik 55, skiing in Scotland, water skiing in Portugal, potholing in the Lakes, parachuting, climbing and abseiling with the Royal Marines (lovely!!), walking part of the Appalachian Trail in America, climbing the 3 highest peaks in Britain (over a weekend ugh!!) managing to play every sport imaginable, dining with Royalty, just to mention a few!!

Grace moved around regularly up and down the UK but was really lucky enough to spend 18 months in Hong Kong and 2 years in Portugal. When Grace's service days ended she came to work at Marjon which she considers to have a lovely atmosphere, and she has been here for over 10 years. Within Marjon, Grace has worked in the Principal's Office, in the B.Ed Teaching Practice office, with the B.Ed Primary students, and in the Connexions Programme. Grace had forgotten how nice it was working with the students and she is really happy to be involved in such a worthwhile project.

Contact details: gadamson@marjon.ac.uk 01752 636700 (ext 8214)