Mr Darrin Edwards, former Principal of the James Nash State High School, has played an instrumental role in setting up the School Excellence Programs in conjunction with USC. As a result of this ongoing relationship between USC and Gympie, funding was granted to build a $4 million USC Learning Hub on the TAFE campus at Gympie. This initiative allows students in Gympie to experience all levels of education, including university education. Mr Edwards was a recipient of an Australia Day Achievement Award in 2012 for his outstanding commitment to creating a learning environment that enables all to flourish and reach their potential at James Nash State High School.