Professor Bennett has spent more than two decades at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in a range of leadership roles, including her current position as Senior Professor of Education and Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Student Life), where she is responsible for innovation and excellence in education and student experience across UOW’s campus network, including the university’s four regional campuses.
She also held the positions of Executive Dean, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and Head of the School of Education at UOW and is the Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell warmly congratulated Professor Bennett on her appointment.
“Professor Bennett’s impressive track record as both a senior strategic leader and as a scholar, including her deep expertise in digital learning, mean she is well placed to help us enhance student experience and employability and transform our curriculum, including through responsible use of emerging technologies.
“Throughout her time at the University of Wollongong, Sue demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusion and opportunity as well as her values-driven leadership; all exceptional qualities that chime strongly with La Trobe’s. I look forward to welcoming Sue to the University in August.”
Professor Sue Bennett said she was delighted to be joining La Trobe’s senior executive team, where she will have the opportunity to make a positive difference for students, staff and diverse communities.
“La Trobe’s purposeful and values-driven mission, particularly its focus on access and equity in higher education, align strongly with my own experience and commitment to expanding access and building student success.
“My research expertise in higher education and learning design allows me to connect a strong and current evidence base to everything I do. I look forward to working together with colleagues at La Trobe to further innovate our education offerings, especially around digital learning and inclusion.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is a key leadership role, responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development and delivery of the University's learning programs, driving excellence in education and the student experience across La Trobe. The focus for the portfolio is on teaching, learning and assessment, employability, student retention and progression outcomes, and academic quality and integrity.
About Professor Sue Bennett
Professor Bennett grew up in a regional community on the north coast of New South Wales.
She attained a Bachelor of Science from Griffith University, followed by an honours degree in Physics and a Master of Science (Scientific Communication) from the Australian National University. She shifted into education through a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of New South Wales and Doctor of Philosophy (Education) from the University of Wollongong.
She has wide-ranging, interdisciplinary experience in strategic leadership at senior executive, faculty and school levels; teaching from first year to postgraduate; extensive curriculum design and program leadership; a track record of publications, grant funding and leadership of research projects and teams, and senior roles on external bodies including a national research centre. Roles include:
- Senior Professor of Education, UOW
- Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Student Life), UOW
- Deputy Director, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child
- Executive Dean, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, UOW
- Former Head, School of Education, UOW
- Chair of multiple UOW Committees including University Education Committee, University Internationalisation Committee and University Workload Committee
- Member of various UOW committees and groups including Academic Senate, Healing and Recognition Steering Committee and Social Cohesion Working Group
- Expert in the field of technology in education and society. Secured $45 million competitive research funding and has authored more than 250 research outputs including 67 refereed journal articles.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Associate Professor Sharna Spittle will remain in the role until Professor Bennett commences in August 2025.
Media Contact
Claire Bowers - 0437 279 903, media@latrobe.edu.au
