Susan began her career at VU in August 2007 inaugural Dean of the newly established Victoria University College, following a significant career in education over the previous 30 years in Secondary, TAFE, Higher Education and Government settings.
Susan’s first role was to establish a new College structure within VU to provide students from diverse backgrounds with a supported transition into tertiary studies, along with delivery of accredited courses over the three sectors.
One of Susan’s major achievement’s was to position the VU College as a legitimate and fully functioning College (Faculty) structure and to have this College recognised by colleagues and students as a critically important foundation and transition portal and as a logical link between the TAFE and the Higher Education Faculties.
Susan took on the role of Dean of Students role in 2013, to focus on student retention and success. Her strategic application of HEPPP funding through a whole of university approach to the programs to support widening participation, pathways and transition and partnerships with low socio economic status schools and other providers.
Most recently, Susan managed the Students in Focus project, leading to the recruitment of the new role PVC (Students) as a component of the Towards Success 2 project under the University White Paper. This work will create the directions for continuing to enhance the student experience at VU and Susan’s contribution will continue to have an impact.
Susan has had a distinguished career in educational leadership, where she has remained committed to the power of education to transform lives and communities. Susan has shown herself to be an innovative leader, able to make difficult decisions for the greater good of our students and the institution. Her consistent deeply held commitment to our students has been a hallmark of her time at VU.
