Professor Marea Nicholson

With nearly 50 years’ experience, Emeritus Professor Marea Nicholson AM has made a significant contribution to governance, teaching and learning including special education, school counselling, teacher education and particularly child protection in Catholic, Government and Independent schools. She has been involved with ACU and its predecessor colleges since 1987 with responsibilities including leadership in course design and program co-ordination, and Professional Development. She was appointed to the position of Associate Vice-Chancellor (NSW/ACT) in 2009, and in 2019 was appointed Emeritus Professor by Australian Catholic University.

In 2012, Marea received the Rotary International Award for Vocational Excellence in recognition of her dedication and the pursuit of excellence throughout her career. In 2016 she was successful in obtaining NSW Government funding to establish two business incubator spaces on both North Sydney and Strathfield Campuses. In 2020 Marea was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to education, and to professional standards.

Marea has had numerous leadership roles within education including Chair of the Parramatta Diocesan Liturgical Commission (1994-2000), Chair of Catholic Religious Australia’s Education Committee and Chair of Initial Teacher Education Council.  Currently Marea is a Good Samaritan Board Chair and a member of National Catholic Education Commission, the Committee of Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Person School Authorities Australia (CORMSAA) and Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Parramatta Limited(CSPDL) Board. Marea has led various research projects with a focus on improved educational outcomes, particularly for those at the margins. Her passion is children’s safety and she has been responsible for evaluations of Department of Community Service child protection training, as well as implementation of the Protective Behaviours program.