A senior USC academic who is focused on increasing higher education participation among Indigenous students has been appointed to a national centre working to help all marginalised and disadvantaged students in Australia.

USC Dean of Indigenous Education and Engagement Professor Gary Thomas said he was looking forward to joining the Advisory Board of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE), based at Curtin University in Perth since 2013.

“This centre is doing excellent work in the equity space and across the gamut of teaching and learning and research, in terms of creating an evidence base for practitioners and increasing awareness of the issues,” he said.

“It’s an exciting time to be among leaders from across the country contributing to the centre to promote good practice and develop an evidence base to improve the student experience.

“It’s important for all higher education institutions to be widening our participation agenda.”

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Cordery said he was pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Thomas, who would bring considerable insight and expertise.

“Professor Thomas is a respected figure in the higher education sector, having held important academic, professional and senior executive roles and having been a major contributor to Indigenous education both nationally and internationally,” Professor Cordery said.

Centre Director Professor Sarah O’Shea said, “The current health crisis, combined with the growing reputation and influence of the research we conduct, means that NCSEHE plays a key role in higher education practice and policy.

“The appointment of Professor Thomas will further expand the expertise of the centre ensuring we remain focused on the needs of all of our students and retain relevance in all our equity activities.”