Honouring exceptional contributions to learner and academic support at Cavalli College.
Cavalli College is proud to celebrate Joselyn (“Jos”) Fox, who has been awarded the Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ) Outstanding Performance Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to education, learner wellbeing, and organisational culture. This prestigious award honours individual staff members who have gone above and beyond to improve the quality and culture of their organisation, its learners, staff, and wider communities. The award recognises individuals whose behind-the-scenes leadership and innovation create a lasting impact.
From the very beginning, Jos has been a driving force at Cavalli College. As a founding staff member, she has helped shape the systems, culture, and learner-first model that defines Cavalli College today. Her work in Learner and Academic Support has set a benchmark for compassion, equity, and excellence in tertiary education.
“Jos has set the scene for us to be an exceptional tertiary provider that is learner-centred,” says Trish Thomas, Programme Manager (ECE). “She generously and proactively supports the professional growth of those around her.”
Jos’s impact is far-reaching. She has led the design of a holistic learner support model that addresses academic, social, emotional, and wellbeing needs, particularly for underserved groups including rangatahi, individuals in recovery, and second-chance learners. Graduates consistently credit her with transforming their educational journeys.
One learner reflected:
“Learning with Cavalli College has benefited me in so many ways, not just with my education but my confidence, self-belief, and worth.”
The results speak for themselves. Jos has significantly contributed towards Cavalli College achieving:
- 97.73% course completion rate for Foundation Skills learners (2024).
- 93.41% course completion rate across Level 4 programmes (2023), exceeding national benchmarks.
- 87.14% course completion for Māori and Pasifika learners, far above national averages.
Beyond direct learner support, Jos is a respected mentor and culture leader among Cavalli College staff. She has:
- Onboarded new staff, guiding them into the relational, trauma-informed ethos of Cavalli College.
- Led the now mandatory Culture and Identity session, embedding the values and vision of Cavalli College into staff development.
- Strengthened community and sector partnerships, securing placements that give learners meaningful real-world experience.
- Driven continuous improvement by shaping policies, wellbeing strategies, graduate reviews, and learner feedback systems.
Jos is incredibly humble, but her impact speaks volumes. She exemplifies respect, care, culturally appropriate practice, and a deep commitment to learner and staff wellbeing. She not only supports learners and staff to thrive but uplifts the very culture and kaupapa of Cavalli College.
In Jos’s own words, “teaching and learner support is never a journey we take alone – it’s made possible by the colleagues who inspire us, the students who challenge and motivate us, the services who are doing the frontline work, and the families and communities who trust us. I feel deeply grateful to be recognised, but even more grateful to be part of a profession that demonstrates every day how education can change lives.”
The ITENZ Outstanding Performance Award acknowledges what Cavalli College has long known: Jos Fox’s leadership, compassion, and relentless commitment to learners has strengthened Cavalli College and made a real difference in the lives of our learners, as well as the communities and sectors they serve.
Cavalli College acknowledges ITENZ and sponsors for their commitment to the ITENZ Excellence Awards for the Tertiary Sector, and thanks Wisenet for their sponsorship of this award for 2025.