3 May 2006

Filmmaker is new University of Canberra deputy

The University of Canberra's new Deputy Vice-Chancellor will begin work next week, on 8 May.

Professor Sharon Bell will have a broad of range responsibilities relating to student life in addition to deputising for Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Dean, as required.

Professor Bell comes to the University from Griffith University where she was Pro-Vice Chancellor (Equity and Community Partnerships).

Her academic background is as an ethnographic filmmaker. She made her first documentaries during two years in Sri Lanka as part of her PhD research and went on to join the ethnographic film unit at Film Australia.

In 1989 she produced and directed the influential film '88.9: Radio Redfern' about an Indigenous radio station in the Sydney suburb of Redfern.

She was Head of Studies at the Australian Film, Television & Radio School and from 1994 to 2003 Dean of the Faculties of Creative Arts and then Arts at the University of Wollongong.

"There are parallels between being an academic leader and being a documentary filmmaker: you are a facilitator and a communicator," Professor Bell said.

"I am thrilled to be joining the University of Canberra at a stage in its development where it is positioned to achieve significant results as the higher education sector goes through its next phase of change," she added.

"The University is in a position to draw on strengths that have already been developed, in particular its strong focus on teaching and learning and its leadership in identifying areas of research strength - a process in which it is ahead of many larger institutions."

Professor Dean said: "I am delighted we could attract Professor Bell to the University. Her talents will both complement and contrast the scientific backgrounds of other members of the University executive, while her grounding in the creative arts is an excellent fit with our commitment to training creative professionals.

"Sharon has special expertise in student and community engagement, and will not only deputise for and advise me, but also have a portfolio relating to enhancing the life of our students, a central concern for the University."

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Last Updated on August 1, 2005