Patsy Paxton

Visiting Fellows

Patsy Paxton

June 2 - July 28, 2010

Dr. Patsy Paxton is a Senior Researcher on the South African Tertiary Education Development (SANTED) Project based at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In this role, she is responsible for undertaking, guiding, and coordinating research and case studies in specific disciplinary areas relating to the development of an appropriate qualifications structure and programme profile for NMMU as a comprehensive university. Dr. Paxton has taught at the high school and university level since 1975, and has worked in academic development for over ten years, first as the Academic Manager of the Waikato Institute of Technology (NZ), and then as the Academic Director of the Auckland University of Technology (NZ). She has presented over 30 papers on curriculum development and academic quality matters at a number of forums including the Academic Quality in Higher Education Conference, the Association of Tertiary Education Managers Conference, the Higher Education Research and Development (HERDSA), and the World Conference of the International Alliance for Invitational Education. She has also published four textbooks for secondary school Business Economics in South Africa (co-author); one book on the teaching of Economics in South African secondary schools (co-author); and delivered 28 conference papers on issues related to the teaching of Economics in South African secondary schools. Her main research interests are academic quality systems and academic audit, programme review, curriculum development and design, and invitational education.

Patsy Paxton and husband Alan enjoy a boat ride on the Detroit River. Windsor’s Peace Fountain is in the background.

Patsy Paxton and husband Alan enjoy a boat ride on the Detroit River. Windsor’s Peace Fountain is in the background.

Patsy and Alan Paxton sit on bikes while posed with Leo Groarke and Alan Wright.

Patsy and Alan Paxton were cycling enthusiasts while in Windsor. They are shown here visiting with Alan Wright and Provost Leo Groarke in the east end of Windsor.

Patsy and Alan Paxton stand in front of a 25 foot high inflatable beaver.

A larger-than-life Canadian Beaver, manufactured in Windsor for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, embraces two visitors from South Africa.

Patsy Paxton and Alan Wright stand in front of a 15 foot high inflatable RCMP officer at Willistead Manor.

A “Mountie” stands on guard as Patsy Paxton and Alan Wright enjoy Art in the Park at Willistead Manor.

Patsy Paxton and Alan Wright pose on a bridge in front of ornate stone rails.

Patsy and Alan pause during a walking tour of Pêche Island.