Introduction to 'Transforming education: engaging with complexity and diversity'

As noted by Professor Ingrid Moses in her foreword, in 2003 the University of New England celebrated 75 years of teacher education in Armidale. Armidale Teachers' College was established in 1928, the first teachers' college outside a capital city in Australia. The University of New England was Australia's first provincial university, commencing as a University College in 1938. The establishment of both institutions owed much to the foresight, leadership and advocacy of D H Drummond. For almost 14 years as Minister for Education in NSW, David Henry Drummond shaped and implemented education policy in that state. Stephen Henry Smith, a Director of Education in NSW, was also important in the establishment of Armidale Teachers' College. Both Drummond and Smith are remembered and their achievements recognised in today's Drummond and Smith College at UNE.