Jane Mills

Professor Jane Mills is the Pro Vice Chancellor Health Innovation (Regional) and Dean, La Trobe Rural Health School. She is one of Australia’s most experienced primary health care academics having led and managed teams in both government and tertiary sectors. With a research portfolio focused on rural health, health workforce, health system strengthening and nursing education, Professor Mills is considered one of Australia’s top researchers in nursing.

A recipient of an Australian Government Office of Learning and Teaching National Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching for teaching research; Professor Mills has a reputation as an excellent higher degree research supervisor across several disciplines including public health, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, allied health, and social work. Leading the LRHS as Dean allows Professor Mills to fulfill her career vision to contribute to a just society by fostering research and graduates that make a positive difference.

Professor Mills believes education and research are powerful vehicles for positive change in rural Australia and is stated that she privileged to lead an outstanding team of academics and professional staff who are passionately committed to the regions. Professor Millsis a dynamic and collaborative leader and continues to develop relationships to deliver innovation in Health teaching, research, and community impact.

Throughout her career, Professor Mills continues to make herself available to provide both short- and long-term mentoring for staff (Academic and Professional) She does this in her own time further highlighting her commitment to professional development. She also provides career advice to those staff wanting to climb the corporate ladder and has been instrumental in supporting Academic staff with promotion applications.

Professor Mills put simply- is ‘present’ which is refreshing quality for a person in her extremely busy position. Staff are continually in awe of the way Professor Mills presents and carries herself and the way in which she commands attention. Her achievements within the LHRS as well as both within the Bendigo and broader University Communities have had a lasting impact.