Donaldson's College : Archbishop St Clair Donaldson and the foundation of St John's College, The University of Queensland

Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Melbourne, Faculty of Education, 1998Since the establishment of The University of Sydney, colleges have been established in most Australian universities. All of the original State universities have nestled nearby a group of affiliated colleges, predominantly owned by the various churches. The thesis first considers whether the establishment of colleges in Australia, like the establishment of universities, was the result of distinct situational variations. It then analyses the establishment in 1912 at The University of Queensland of St John's College, a Church of England college for men. In particular the thesis will investigate the role and influence of Archbishop St Clair Donaldson, the Church of England Archbishop of Brisbane, in the foundation of the college. As well as being a further example of an Australian hybrid college model, St John's College was the creation of Donaldson and represented his values, aspirations and his modus operandi. He was the driving force behind it and its mission represented his expectations and experiences of life. The thesis will present an insight into Donaldson's understanding of the relationship of religion and education, theological education, private enterprise and the place of women in the church and university. It will also outline the procedures taken by the college authorities to set up, affiliate and then open the college between June, 1911 and March, 1912