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Education specialist Kelly Humphrey will be ACU’s first Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous)

ACU has appointed Kelly Humphrey to the inaugural role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous).

A Gomeroi woman, Ms Humphrey is deeply committed to helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reach their chosen future. She has degrees in education and theology and a strong background in educational policy and leadership. Ms Humphrey comes to ACU from the NSW Department of Education and brings to the tertiary sector significant knowledge of key issues and challenges facing communities across Indigenous nations.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis announced the appointment on Monday 4 March, saying that enhancing the experience and improving the outcomes for Indigenous staff and students was an ACU priority as well as a national imperative. This imperative has been underlined in the Australian Universities Accord with its support for the full inclusion of First Nations perspectives and knowledge systems.

“The appointment of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at ACU will enhance the work so ably carried out by our First Peoples Directorate. The position carries cross-institutional responsibilities for areas of policy, strategy and the enhancement of ACU’s cultural capability,” Professor Skrbis said.

“The new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) will work to raise our profile and engagement with First Peoples Elders and communities throughout the many lands on which ACU  campuses and leadership centres are located.

“Kelly Humphrey has a deep understanding of the integration of faith and leadership, and a commitment to the education and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She brings great personal warmth and a deep wish to work for change and improvement at ACU.”

Ms Humphrey will work closely with the Director of First Peoples, Jane Ceolin, as well as First Peoples colleagues across the university. She will also draw on the network of Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors (Indigenous) in all states.

Ms Humphrey said she was looking forward to meeting staff and students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, across our local communities and campuses.

“I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead as I embark on the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous role with ACU. I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities and am committed to building on the work of the First Nations Directorate to foster a culture of inclusivity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students, staff and communities for excellence in Indigenous higher education.”

She will be based at ACU’s North Sydney campus when she takes up her role on 18 March.