Professor Sally Kift has taken up her appointment as James Cook University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).

The role, a new position at JCU, is designed to help shape the academic profile of the University and provide strategic leadership in relation to education and academic quality in teaching and learning.

The Queensland-born Professor Kift, who will be based on the Townsville campus, is one of Australia’s leading experts in teaching and learning.

Professor Kift said she was looking forward to building on the University’s strengths in learning, teaching, and student support.

“We know the transformative effect that higher education can have on the lives of individuals and their communities,” she said.

“Ensuring that all students who come to university, regardless of their background, are supported in their learning is a key priority. We cannot afford to leave student success to chance.”

Formerly Professor of Law at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Professor Kift received a national teaching award in 2003 and led a Law Project Team which received a further Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) National Program Award in 2007.

She was appointed one of three inaugural ALTC Senior Fellows in 2006 to investigate the first-year experience, a field in which she is acknowledged as an international expert.

Issued: June 22, 2012

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