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December 17, 2024

Professor named Distinguished Marketing Educator of the Year

Professor Troy Heffernan recognised for his outstanding contributions to learning and teaching

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp (UOW) Professor Troy Heffernan has been named the 2024 Distinguished Marketing Educator of the Year by the Australian & New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC).

It’s a full circle moment for Professor Heffernan who was named Marketing Educator of the Year by ANZMAC in 2004.

“It’s an honour to receive this award and to be recognised for my commitment to research-informed teaching, something I have spent time mastering over the last 20 years,” Professor Heffernan said.

The ANZMAC Awards recognise excellence in marketing academia and research. The Distinguished Marketing Educator Award recognises sustained excellence and high-level contributions to marketing education.

In a career spanning more than 30 years Professor Heffernan has taught students in all corners of the globe, including the UK, China, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Russia and Australia. He believes in creating a lasting difference to the lives of his students.

“I’m committed to delivering my subjects with enthusiasm and energy and aim to exert a positive and lasting impact on student learning,” Professor Heffernan said.

Professor Heffernan’s teaching evaluations speak for themselves – from 2016 to 2022 his results have consistently surpassed the university averages, highlighting his success in motivating and engaging students. He also dedicates significant time to developing new programs and subjects that are tailored to the needs of students at the time.

“I am passionate about delivering competent, inquisitive and work-ready graduates who are up to date with the latest advancements in the marketing space,” Professor Heffernan said.

“This year my brilliant team and I developed the new MarTech minor at UOW where students are immersed in the latest big data and GenAI applications for marketing. It provides students with cutting edge, industry-focused marketing technologies qualification.”

^{Professor Troy Heffernan has a reaching career spanning more than 30 years}

Professor Heffernan is now focusing on increasing students’ literacy around climate change and the opportunities and risks it presents to business. Professor Heffernan and other experts have developed a new free short course called ‘’ to provide learners with a foundational understanding of climate change, its causes, and its impact on the environment and society. 

“I’m committed to increasing the community’s understanding of the science, consequences, opportunities and possible solutions around climate change,” Professor Heffernan said.

Professor Grace McCarthy, UOW Interim Executive Dean of Business and Law, said Professor Heffernan is a gifted educator who is passionate about inspiring students as well as about sharing his expertise with the community.

“Professor Heffernan is incredibly deserving of this award. As well as inspiring students in his own classes, Troy empowers his team of marketing colleagues to incorporate cutting edge technology and to work with real clients so that UOW Marketing students gain valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers," Professor McCarthy said.

Professor Heffernan received his award at the annual ANZMAC conference which was held in Hobart earlier this month (2 to 4 December 2024).