Western Sydney University appoints new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education

Western Sydney University is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Maryanne Dever as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education.

A highly-regarded researcher and senior leader, Professor Dever joins the University from the Australian National University (ANU) where she is currently the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Digital).

Since 2021, Professor Dever has been instrumental in delivering excellence in education and working closely with the colleges, schools and leaders at ANU to deliver the university's vision for exceptional academic digital infrastructure that aligns with the ANU Digital Master Plan. She was also responsible for developing ANU’s first learning and teaching strategy.

Prior to joining ANU, she worked at a number of other universities, including the University of Sydney, the University of Hong Kong, Monash University and the University of Technology Sydney, where she was Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Deputy Chair and Chair of Academic Board.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, warmly welcomes Professor Dever to the University.

“On behalf of the University community I congratulate Professor Maryanne Dever on her appointment, and I look forward to formally welcoming her when she commences on 27 November,” said Professor Glover.

“An outstanding university leader, Professor Dever will be instrumental in the University’s ongoing Transformation Program, which includes important initiatives to create a more digitally-enabled University and personalised learning experience for our students.

“Her expertise and strategic leadership will be invaluable, and she will no doubt build on the outstanding work led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Simon Barrie, who retires at the end of the year. Professor Dever is equally passionate about education innovation and providing an exceptional learning experience for students.”

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, Professor Dever will lead education innovation and quality enhancement for the University. This will include the implementation of the Education Futures Strategy, which seeks to position at the forefront of innovation in education. In addition, she will oversee a team of senior leaders who will be e accountable for strengthening the quality of our academic programs, delivering excellence in teaching and learning, and the provision of high quality and contemporary library and technical support services.

Professor Dever said she is excited to be joining Western Sydney University at a critical time in its development.

“I am particularly impressed by the University’s student centredness, as well as its commitment to developing industry-relevant programs that can address Australia’s current and future workforce needs and help people stay competitive in a fast-changing workplace,” said Professor Dever.

“Western Sydney University is deeply embedded in the Western Sydney region and is proud of its history of opening up opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed at university. I look forward to joining with staff, students and the broader University community to help further this important work.”

Professor Dever holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Queensland, and a Master of Arts (Honours) and PhD from the University of Sydney.

She is recognised for her research in feminist literary studies and critical archival studies. She also has research interests in the areas of gender, work, and higher education, and is an experienced mentor, having guided many early-career female academics and new academic writers. She co-edits the journal Australian Feminist Studies.

Other career highlights include fellowships at McGill University, the University of Tampere, and the National Library of Australia.

ENDS

18 September 2023

Amanda Whibley, Manager, Media and Public Relations

Photo Credit: Andy Roberts