Emeritus Professor Trevor Heath OAM is a former and much-loved Head of School for the School of Veterinary Science.
Those who were fortunate to study and work with Professor Heath recall his gracious and giving nature, sharing advice and support to staff and students alike. For many, he played a significant role in shaping their future.
The Professor Trevor Heath OAM Rural Residential Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for donors to support, in perpetuity, future veterinary students from rural and regional Queensland backgrounds who will be able to follow their dream of becoming veterinarians.
The scholarship will help deserving students achieve their potential and continue his wonderful legacy. Find out more about the scholarship.
The endowment fund
Thanks to UQ Alumni Friends and other generous donors, funds raised for the scholarship are at $116,606. With your tax deductible gift we can reach our goal of $150,000.
UQ is registered as a deductible gift recipient (DGR) under federal government legislation - Subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, endorsed by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) as an income tax concession charity (TCC) and registered with the Australian Charities and not-for-profits commission. UQ provides you with a receipt for every gift greater than $2 for your taxation records
"A small amount of help at a critical time in a young person’s life can make a difference out of all proportion to the time and effort involved."
Professor Trevor Heath OAM
A career devoted to supporting others
Professor Heath completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, the only graduate in his year to receive First Class Honours - plus all 7 prizes for subject performance. While there, he served as President of the Sydney University Veterinary Society.
He went on to complete a PhD in Experimental Pathology at the Australian National University, before moving to the University of California Medical Centre in San Francisco to undertake a post doc in Anatomy.
Driven by a passion for students and learning, Professor Heath began his teaching career at the Melbourne Vet School. He furthered his studies as a Fellow in Medical Education at Michigan State University, where he earned a Master of Medical Education and Educational Psychology.
At the age of 36, in 1973, he accepted the position of Dean of Veterinary Science at The University of Queensland. It was here he became an inspiration for so many.
The Trevor Heath OAM Rural Scholarship honours this veterinary pioneer who not only made an indelible mark through his career but did so by helping others to rise alongside him.
It is a tribute to his rural roots and his dedication to wellness and creating a welcoming environment for those who may feel a little like they don’t belong.
About the scholarship
The inaugural Professor Trevor Heath OAM Rural Scholarship will be awarded in 2025 (applications open in June).
This scholarship will provide financial support towards the cost of the 5-year course and college living expenses for a veterinary student at the UQ Gatton Campus.
Your donation will also honour the legacy of Trevor Heath OAM.
"Trevor has given so much to support veterinary students with their transition to university life and into their careers. It is now time for us to acknowledge his significant contribution by honouring him with this rural residential scholarship in his name."
Dr Edith Hampson
Past student
"Professor Heath has spent a lifetime supporting, encouraging and mentoring an incredible number of students and alumni from UQ Veterinary School. I thoroughly enjoyed our squash court battles during my time as a student, and I continue to enjoy the social contact and wise counsel throughout my life and career from the Professor.
"In my second last year of veterinary science, I had just finished a block of clinical practical work with veterinarians in practice, and most seemed very despondent about the profession; a couple of practice owners even suggested changing course before it was too late. I raised my concerns about being a bit disillusioned. Professor Heath gave me some good advice: we all need to choose a path in life and we need to have the courage to weigh up and go after opportunities as they go past our front door. Basically, we make our own luck, and he suggested I needed to focus on how I would lead my life, and focus on what path I should choose. We are all masters of our own destiny."
Dr Glen Richards
Past student