A key educational authority at UNSW has been awarded for her contributions to domestic and international education.

The University of New South Wales' Vice-President, Advancement, Ms Jennie Lang has won the Distinguished Contribution to International Education Excellence Award, presented by the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).

The prize is given to a professional colleague in international education who is able to make an exemplary contribution to improve international studies in Australia.

“Jennie Lang has been spearheading international education within Sydney and across Australia since 1987 and has played a leading role in developing an industry that is now the envy of the world,” the award citation said.

He award has been called a “fitting recognition for Jennie’s significant contribution as an industry leader, policy maker and marketing innovator,” by colleague and UNSW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer.

International education is greatly under-appreciated in Australia. Very few people stop to reflect on the contribution that Australian educational institutes make in providing life-changing training to international students. The opportunities to study at highly-ranked, cutting-edge and superbly-located schools across the country are seldom taken for granted by students from other continents.

Ms Lang says she has pursued international education because; “its benefits are widespread and go way beyond the purely economic, helping to build deeper cultural, trade, scientific, education and diplomatic relationships.”

Ms Lang barely rests in her efforts to forge bonds between this country and its global neighbours; she currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of International Education Administrators in North America, is a Foundation Member of the Export Council of Australia and a Board Member of the Asia Society Australia.