Bond University has appointed Ms Catherine O’Sullivan to the newly created role of Pro Vice Chancellor Pathways and Partnerships to drive and expand the University’s engagement with community and industry groups across Australia.
A highly accomplished senior public servant and educator Ms O’Sullivan brings to the role 30 years’ exceptional and diverse experience in senior management roles in education and state and commonwealth government, working with indigenous communities; schools; and sporting groups.
Most recently the State Manager, Queensland State Office, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Ms O’Sullivan played a leading role in delivering and developing the Australian Government’s many education and employment programs, which has involved developing new collaborations along with creating innovation in service delivery.
Prior to this role Ms O’Sullivan was the Assistant Director-General (Regional Delivery) for Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries; Executive Director of Schools for Education Queensland; and a Principal in regional Queensland.
She was awarded Telstra Business Woman of the Year (2002 and 2003); has won numerous Australian Government’s (IPAA) Excellence Awards for Innovation (2009), Successful Delivery (2011), and Reconciliation (2011); was a Member of Australian Government Ministers National Youth Careers and Transition Advisory Group (2003-2007); and was awarded Churchill Fellowship in Schools/ Industry/ Community linkages (2000) to name only a few of her career achievements.
Bond University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford said this was a significant appointment for the University.
“Catherine has led a remarkable career and contributed significantly in these roles and in her community,” said Professor Brailsford.
“The diversity of education, government and community groups that she has worked with means she is well-suited to drive Bond’s community and industry partnerships across Australia and beyond,” he said.
As Pro Vice Chancellor Pathways and Partnerships Ms O’Sullivan will be working to drive the University’s strategic direction to advance the role of sport through industry partnerships and involvement; increasing the engagement and outreach of Bond College; and the types of programs available.
Ms O’Sullivan said it was Bond’s agility to be innovative in a crowded public environment that attracted her to the position.
“I am incredibly excited by the strategic thinking at Bond. I think it is laudable that a not-for-profit, private university can challenge the tertiary landscape in such a crowded public arena,” said Ms O’Sullivan.
“Sport has the potential to be the vehicle that drives social change. I will be looking at how we at Bond University, can improve the net value of sport by ensuring athletes have an opportunity to access responsive and flexible education opportunities.” she said.
Ms O’Sullivan will commence in the role on 14 January, 2013.