Meet our new Dean of College, Rebecca Wood
What were you doing prior to St Catherine’s College?
I have been working at residential colleges since 2009. Before moving to Western Australia, my family were based in Armidale New South Wales where I was the Dean of Students at St Albert’s College. I then came across to work at St Thomas More College, UWA in 2013 and have been working as the Deputy Head of College since that time. Don’t worry though, I am fully converted to St Catherine’s!
What made you choose to join the St Catherine’s community?
I have always loved how passionate the St Catherine’s residents are at sporting and cultural events at the UWA Campus. The opportunity to be part of that team and to be able to bring that passion to the Curtin campus was a very appealing opportunity.
What are you looking forward to?
The best part of my job is having the opportunity to be involved with so many inspiring residents daily. Watching our first-year residents grow in confidence and form lifelong friendships is so rewarding.
What advice would you give to a new resident?
Many students do not get the opportunity to have a residential college experience. The number of opportunities available to you will only be limited to how much you decide to be involved. You will never have this experience in any living situation again in your life so grab it with both hands and immerse yourself in as much as you can. It will shape your future self!
What advice would you give to a parent of a new resident?
Congratulations on helping your young adult make the choice to come to College. Please know that we hope they will have an awesome experience in an environment designed to give them the best opportunities to excel in their life. Saying goodbye will not be any easier than when they went to school for the first day. We know you will miss them and at times worry about them, but know that they will have plenty of support around them. As young adults, we encourage them to stand on their own two feet so don’t fret if they don’t call home as much as you would like. They will always love you and will secretly be excited when the semester breaks arrive for them to head home.
Outside of the College, what are your favourite things to do?
My husband (Greg) and I have a granddaughter that we call Bloom. You will see her around College a lot so come and say hi (she knows how to win hearts). Greg and I are both foodies so we like trying new restaurants and cafés. If you have any good suggestions, we would love to hear them. Because we are foodies, the other thing I need/like to do is put the earbuds in and go for a run. Its good for the soul and gives me a reason to eat out again.
