Durban University of Technology (DUT) approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Waheeda Peters spoke to Mrs Lorna McCullough, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Applied Management at DUT Midlands campus.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a senior lecturer in the Department of Applied Management on the Riverside Campus, and a passionate supporter of ENVISION2030.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I reach the 30 years milestone at the end of 2023.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Probably integrity because it speaks to so many of our other values and principles like honesty, transparency, professionalism, and commitment.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
A: “I think it is powerful and to live up to it we all put our best foot forward.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “By constant self-reflection on just how well I live the values and principles on a daily basis and a targeted and concerted effort to incorporate the Living Values Framework into all my teaching. Living our values at DUT is all about open lines of communication with our colleagues and students.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I am a motorcyclist and we explore South Africa and our neighbouring countries off the beaten track on a 1200cc adventure motorbike.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “It’s a brave, bold innovative plan and for the first time in my long association with DUT, the strategic plan is EVERYONE’s plan. Successful implementation will make DUT THE place to work at and study at.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time I ride my mountain bike. I also taught myself to knit and crochet during lockdown via YouTube and enjoy the crochet style of amigurumi and spend a lot of time creating toys for our local hospital children’s wards and for our local SPCA.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A:”I hope to be recognised as someone who really demonstrates our Living Values Framework and always give of my best to DUT in all that I do.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I am a positive person and every day is a gift and there is always something new to experience and I am currently enjoying my job.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “Just to learn and grow as much as I can and hopefully make a positive contribution.
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: World peace.”
