CDU to grow VET sector and champion student success with new Deputy Vice-Chancellor appointment

Vocational Education and Training (VET) and students will be at the top of the agenda for Charles Darwin University (CDU) with the appointment of a new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Engagement and Success and Vocational Education and Training.

A passionate educator with more than a decade of experience in VET and higher education roles in the UK and Australia, Sam Jacob will take on the role providing strategic leadership to transform student outcomes and reinvigorate CDU’s VET offerings for the Territory.

The appointment builds on CDU’s recently released Strategic Plan 2021–26 which champions the need to create a safe and inclusive student experience where every student can connect and succeed, as well as rebuilding a thriving vocational training presence across the Territory.

Ms Jacob will lead teams responsible for transforming the student experience, strengthening retention, completion, and employability and for VET strategy and growth, partnering with industries and employers to meet future workforce needs throughout the region.

Ms Jacob said she is excited by the challenges ahead and is driven to improve outcomes through collaboration with academic colleagues and industry partners.

“Decades into my tertiary education career, I still get out of bed with energy and enthusiasm for university life,” Ms Jacob said.

“The Territory is a remarkable place and deserves a tertiary institution that meets the needs of its people,” Ms Jacob said.

“Whether it’s the business community in Alice, ranger groups in parks and homelands, new construction projects or health workers on the Peninsula, CDU has an important role to play in creating prosperity for all Territorians.

“Add our amazing community of online learners and CDU has a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact.”

CDU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said he was delighted to welcome Ms Jacob to the position.

“The role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Engagement and Success and Vocational Education and Training is one of the most critical roles in the university. It is showing that we are putting Vocational Training and our students right at the top of our agenda,” Professor Bowman said.

“Sam is a person who gets things done. She is ideally placed to refine CDU’s operating model and grow our market share in VET, building on the great training outcomes delivered by our teams.

“With her experience in senior roles at Australian universities, Sam brings knowledge and expertise in both vocational and degree education. These topics are central to our new strategic plan—and it’s critical that CDU has someone in this role who can drive these key agendas.”