CDU welcomes Professor Fiona Coulson as new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Strategy)

A new Pro Vice-Chancellor has been appointed to the role of Education Strategy at Charles Darwin University (CDU) to provide expert knowledge to help CDU shape the direction of its educational strategy, growth agenda and course offerings.

Professor Fiona Coulson has accepted the appointment to the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Strategy) for a five-year contract.

Professor Coulson is currently the Deputy Vice-President (Education Strategy and Innovation) at Central Queensland University (CQU) and has had previous roles of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Development) and Foundation Dean of the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences. 

With academic and research expertise in pharmacology, physiology, immunology and biochemistry, Professor Coulson was instrumental in developing and growing CQU’s courses in a wide range of disciplines including Biomedical Science, Paramedic Science and Allied Health. 

“I have had the privilege to witness the transformative effect that training, education and research can have for individuals, their families and communities,” Professor Coulson said.

“I am excited to join CDU – a strong values-based institution - on its journey to be Australia’s most connected university through the delivery of training, education and research that matters to the people of the NT.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said Professor Coulson would be an asset to the CDU community and the Territory.   

“As a person with exceptional skills and experience to fill this role, we are very fortunate that Professor Coulson has agreed to come and work with us at CDU as we deliver on our new Strategic Plan and our vision to be Australia’s most connected university,” Professor Bowman said.

He said Professor Coulson is an experienced university senior leader who established the landmark end-to-end Regional Medical Pathway in partnership with CQU, the University of Queensland and local health services to educate and train medical doctors for the first time in Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

“This knowledge and expertise will ensure that CDU has the best person to help us deliver a homegrown medical program right here in the Territory,” he said.

“Health is a huge priority for us, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure our attention is on growing the workforce to respond to the emerging health challenges that the Territory has.”

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Strategy) will continue the outstanding work of Professor Rob Fitzgerald, to finalise the Learning and Teaching Core Plan, develop CDU’s National Plan, and will also determine the future direction of developing CDU’s online learning platforms for students. 

Professor Coulson comes to CDU from another dual-sector university, where she has led degree, vocational and research teams. She has also led major organisation-wide change programs focusing on transforming the design and delivering of the entire student experience.

Professor Coulson completed her post-doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor (Educational Strategy) will be based at CDU’s Casuarina Campus in Darwin and will commence on March 7, 2022.