Earlier this month, we welcomed our new Dean of Students, Mey Britz to Union College. Mey brings exceptional enthusiasm to the role of Dean of Students and her personal mission is to help our residents be the best that they can be. As a young professional and previous resident of a residential college at UQ, Mey has experienced firsthand the meaningful impact that a Dean of Students can have on the lives of students and is very much looking forward to meeting all the new and returning residents of Union College next month. Mey hopes that she can assist with fostering a vibrant, respectful, fun and cohesive community where residents can launch their career, find themselves and hit the goals they set for themselves.
Hailing from Stilfontein, South Africa, a small town two hours outside of Johannesburg, Mey and her family emigrated to Bargara (near Bundaberg) in Queensland when she was 17 years of age. After completing high school Mey attended UQ, studying a Bachelor of Business Management with a major in Human Resource Management whilst also living at Emmanuel College. Mey’s career to date has encompassed professional experience in human resources, training & development, financial services and small business management. She has worked for a variety of firms including Wesfarmers, Disney, Scout e-Recruitment (subsidiary of Flight Centre) and most recently, The University of Queensland which has given Mey significant insight and understanding into opportunities available to students at UQ.
We spent 5 minutes with Mey to find out just a little bit more about our new Dean of Students…
What are you most looking forward to in 2017? Personally – I am getting married in March, which I am very much looking forward to (I actually met my now fiancé at college)! Professionally – Experiencing the Union culture and helping our residents become the best that they can be.
How do you like to spend your free time? I volunteer at the RSPCA with the “Happy Paws, Happy Hearts” program. I also love good coffee, exercising, supporting my local church and watching a good movie when I can.
Any hidden talents? English is my second language, I can still speak fluent Afrikaans, and understand Dutch.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? I have two favourite holiday destinations. Firstly, South-Africa; there is nothing quite like a game drive through the South African bush veld observing lions and elephants in their natural habitat. Secondly, after working at Disneyworld in Florida, I would have to agree that Disneyworld is “the happiest place on earth”.
Best Advice Ever Given? What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.
You’re hosting a dinner party for 5 people, you can invite anyone in the world. Who do you invite?
- David Attenborough – An amazing man with an even more amazing career. His knowledge and capacity to tell stories would make him an ideal top 5 dinner guest.
- Michelle Obama – A woman that I truly admire. Throughout Obama’s presidency she was an example of class, a beacon of hope and used her zest for life and capacity as First Lady to inspire and influence others to be the best that they could be.
- Timothy Keller – Tim Keller is the Senior Pastor of Redeemer church in New York City. His insight, wisdom and belief in God and others is something that I really admire.
- Justine Flynn – Justine is the co-founder of Thank You. I had the privilege of meeting Justine earlier in my career and was inspired by her drive and passion to serve and help underprivileged communities through the world.
- My fiancé, Marc (who you might see around college) – he would laugh too much, and talk a lot, but I wouldn’t want him to miss out.