June 7, 2016
Former Cherbourg State School principal Chris Sarra has been appointed a Professor of Education at the University of Canberra.
Professor Sarra, who became the first Aboriginal principal of Cherbourg State School in 1998 and went on to be named Queenslander of the Year in 2004 and Queensland’s Australian of the Year in 2010, will teach and carry out research in areas such as school leadership, Indigenous education, and educational equity in Australia and East Asia, working closely with Centenary Professor Moosung Lee.
He will also collaborate with the University’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis on education and social policy research, as well as develop and teach an online Masters unit on educational leadership.
Professor Sarra, who began his new role on Tuesday, said he was excited to be joining the University of Canberra.
“Indigenous education is at an exciting stage. Expectations of Indigenous people have changed, and I’d like to think the stronger smarter philosophy has played a part in that,” Professor Sarra said.
“I’m looking forward to bringing the work I have done over the past 10 years as founder of the Stronger Smarter Institute to the University and building on it, including designing innovative new Indigenous policy,” he added.
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics Professor Geoffrey Riordan welcomed the appointment.
“Professor Sarra brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the University, not only in Indigenous education but in education more broadly,” Professor Riordan said.
“His work to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is inspiring and I look forward to working with him.”
He added that Professor Sarra’s appointment would assist the University in its goal to improve tertiary education outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We are committed to increasing the number of Indigenous students and research-active staff at the University, and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.” he said.
“Professor Sarra will play a vital role in helping us further the cause of Indigenous education, while also contributing to high-quality and important research.”
