External Studies at the University of New England

A significant change in my life began in 1955 with my enrolment at the University of New England (UNE) in its new External Studies scheme, one which provided a Bachelor of Arts degree by correspondence. In 1954 I had received my first appointment as the teacher-in-charge of the remote small school at Ellerston, located at the head of the Hunter River; later that year, I read about the revolutionary plan to offer university studies by correspondence at UNE. I applied for enrolment and was pleasantly surprised to find myself accepted and identified as number A177. Along with many other isolated adults, we were truly grateful for the opportunity to undertake university studies while working.