Professor Ian Bickerton honoured with an OAM for his service to education

The Bowral resident and University of NSW (UNSW) Associate Professor has been awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, as part of this year's Australia Day honours.

He is being recognised for his service to tertiary education and to mental health organisations.

"It's very nice to have, it's nice, it's a bit overwhelming, in a way surprising," he said, and was grateful for the support he has had over the years.

At UNSW, Mr Bickerton OAM is currently the Associate Professor of the Arts, Design and Architecture faculty in the School of Humanities and Languages, has been a history lecturer, and a founding member and past lecturer of the university's Jewish Studies Program.

He has also been a visiting scholar at Oxford University, in Washington, taught in California, is a lecturer at the Instituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence, and a former executive member of the Australian and New Zealand American Studies Association.

"I loved school and when I went to university, I found a new world, one I couldn't imagine," he said.

As an educator, he said it has been "immensely rewarding" to play a role in someone's learning experience, where he has kept in touch with students he has taught across the globe.

His research and books have focused on the Arab-Israeli conflict, the United State's relations with Israel, and the country's foreign relations and military history.

One highlight for the educator was meeting and interviewing former President Harry Truman about his decision to recognise the state of Israel.

His studies have also taken him to Jerusalem and Beirut.

Learning abroad has given him the opportunity to expand his world views, have new experiences and grow.

"To me, it's a joy, I like to say I've never done a day's work in my life," he said.

Mr Bickerton OAM's dedication to mental health and the community has been recognised as well.

He was a founding member and honourary secretary of the Anxiety Disorders Association, which focused on treatments, support and research available for people living with mental illnesses, as well as their carers.

The association held support groups and forums.

The Bowral local has dedicated time to the Highlands branch of the University of the Third Age for people who are always keen to learn.

He has channelled a passion for artistic pursuits, and showing people the importance of cultural experiences through being an executive committee member of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society branch in the region.

Bowral resident Peter Reynolds has also been honoured with an OAM for his service to local government and the community.