Dear students,
I’m pleased to announce that Professor Reuben Bolt has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services). Reuben will join us on 28 July from Charles Darwin University, where he is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership.
Reuben is a descendant of the Yuin/Wandandian people of the New South Wales South Coast, and the Ngarigo people of southeast New South Wales. His connection with the University of Sydney began almost 30 years ago as a student of Health Sciences and Aboriginal Health and Community Development. He would go on to become the first person of Aboriginal heritage to graduate with a PhD from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Reuben is highly regarded for his work championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in higher education, his deep commitment to ethical community engagement, and his advocacy for improved outcomes for Indigenous communities. He has built strong relationships with communities, leaders, and Elders across our country, and is recognised for his inclusive approach to leadership.
He has held senior leadership roles at universities for the past decade, most recently at Charles Darwin University, and previously as Director of the Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit at the University of New South Wales. He brings vast experience in leading meaningful change through high-impact initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff, experience that aligns closely with our ambitions here at Sydney.
With a career spanning 25 years in higher education, Reuben has made significant contributions in leadership, research and teaching roles across seven universities. He has convened over 50 university courses, and his academic research encompasses Indigenous studies, health science, microsociology, business administration, media arts and identity studies. His rich understanding of Australian universities means Reuben is well equipped to navigate the challenge of implementing cultural change at our large and complex institution.
He is also the first person of Aboriginal heritage to be appointed to the National Science and Technology Council, the premier body for advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet on important science and technology issues. In this capacity, Reuben successfully advocated for the elevation of Indigenous knowledge systems as a national research priority, a profound achievement that will shape our country’s research output for years to come.
In accepting his appointment, Reuben said:
“As the first Indigenous PhD graduate at the Faculty of Health Sciences, back in 2010, I feel very humbled and honoured to be able to return to the University of Sydney as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services). This is a full circle, to be able to now serve in this very significant and important role that I know makes a difference”.
Reuben brings the depth of executive experience, cultural insight and sector knowledge we need to drive the next ambitious chapter of our Indigenous Strategy. I look forward to working closely with Reuben on a key commitment of our Sydney in 2032 strategy: to honour the Indigenous knowledges created here for over 60,000 years. We remain committed to elevating this profound legacy of knowledge creation in our current work, continuing its development for future generations, and ensuring it remains accessible to all.
On behalf of the University, I would also like to thank Professor Jennifer Barrett for her outstanding leadership as Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services). Jennifer has been a trusted, ethical and inspired leader during this period of transition, driving the continued implementation of One Sydney, Many People and significantly shaping the next phase of our Indigenous Strategy.
I am incredibly grateful to Jennifer for her leadership and continued commitment to the work of the Indigenous Strategy and Services Portfolio.
Kind regards,
Mark
Professor Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
