Allison is currently Head of the School of Social and Cultural Studies in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) and Acting Director of Va’aomanu Pasifika (Pacific Studies and Samoan Studies). Since 2002, she has also convened Victoria’s Human Ethics Committee.
Prior to her current roles, Allison was Associate Dean (Students) and Deputy Dean for FHSS, with oversight for research quality.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says Allison is an excellent choice for the new role of Vice-Provost (Academic and Equity).
“Allison has proven skills in academic leadership and strategic thinking and an in-depth knowledge of the tertiary sector.
“She has also shown strong commitment to equity and inclusive teaching and learning.
“I am confident Allison will provide excellent leadership in the key areas of learning and teaching and student experience and help to ensure the University achieves the goals it has set in these areas in our new Strategic Plan.”
Allison, who has a PhD in Sociology from Victoria University, joined the teaching staff in 1992 moving up the ranks from lecturer to senior lecturer in Sociology and taking on her first Faculty-wide role in 2004. She has been Head of the School of Social and Cultural Studies since 2009 and Acting Director of Va’aomanu Pasifika since 2008.
In 2002, she received a Victoria University Excellence in Teaching award. Allison’s areas of research expertise include ageing, dying and death, gender and sexuality.
Allison will become an Associate Professor in her new position.
“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the university’s academic and equity activities and to help realise Victoria University’s vision of being a leading capital city university,” says Dr Kirkman, who will take up her new role early in the new year.”