Victoria University appoints new Dean of Education
Victoria University of Wellington has appointed Professor Stephen Dobson as its next Dean of Education.
For the past four years, Professor Dobson has been Dean and Head of the School of Education at the University of South Australia. Prior to that, from 1989, he was involved in higher education roles in Scandinavia.
Professor Dobson is a widely respected scholar whose research focuses on pedagogy, assessment and learning. His leadership at University of South Australia’s School of Education has been characterised by engagement and inclusion, as seen in the establishment of key international agreements with China, Indonesia, the Middle East, France, Viet Nam, Singapore and Korea, and the development of new Master’s programmes designed to strengthen graduate opportunities. He also oversaw the establishment of a Centre for Islamic Thought and Education and the launch of the Samsung SMARTSchool.
Victoria University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education Professor Jennifer Windsor has welcomed the appointment, saying Professor Dobson will bring a breadth of experience and a deep commitment to civic engagement to his new role.
“Professor Dobson is known as an imaginative and highly effective leader. His experience in internationalising education and his focus on inclusivity will be of great advantage to Victoria University.
“We are delighted to have someone of his calibre join Victoria University and help the University achieve its goals in learning, teaching, research and engagement.”
Professor Dobson says he is looking forward to contributing to Victoria University realising its vision, which he describes as inspiring, particularly the ambition to be a global-civic university.
“A Faculty of Education plays a crucial role in building the next generation of students and teachers who are fully active members of society.”
Professor Dobson will take up his new position on Tuesday 31 July.
He succeeds Dean of Education David Crabbe, who is retiring, after leading the Faculty since 2013.