Media Releases
JCU’s national search for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic leader begins
James Cook University has begun a national search for an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic leader, as part of a significant boost to JCU’s Indigenous teaching, research and student support.
The University will advertise for a Dean of the newly established Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre, along with three other senior appointments to oversee community engagement, education and curriculum, and research development, to come online once the Dean is appointed.
Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Cocklin said the new centre will deliver improved educational outcomes for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and build on the University’s excellence in teaching and research related to Indigenous issues.
“The centre represents about a 50% increase in the University’s current investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support, learning and teaching, research and community engagement,” Professor Cocklin said.
The new centre will have more staff and deliver better services for students. Additional staff will be appointed particularly to improve student and community engagement.
“The new centre will provide a better resourced and more integrated facility that works to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the entire University,” Professor Cocklin said.
The majority of the positions will be available to people who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, or who have demonstrated experience of working with people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
It is hoped that staff appointed to leadership positions will be in place for the commencement of the 2016 academic year.
The centre will have a physical presence on the Townsville and Cairns campuses and be reflected in JCU’s other campuses and locations.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Professor Cocklin please contact:
Richard Davis, JCU Head of Media and Communications
(07) 4781 4822 / 0413 451 475