Charles Sturt University (CSU) has paid tribute to a courageous advocate for quality education and a long-standing and committed academic.   

Associate Professor Ros Brennan Kemmis AM died on Tuesday 28 July from an illness.

Acting Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Education Associate Professor Philip Hider said, "I had the privilege of working with Ros, as a fellow Head of School, before she retired. I greatly valued her collegial approach and the way in which she was able to find time for everyone, no matter what the issue might be.

"Above all, her commitment to and passion for the cause of education shone through in everything she did."

Professor Brennan Kemmis joined the University's Faculty of Education as a part-time researcher in 1993. She was made a lecturer in vocational education and training in 1997 and then rose to become the Head of the School of Education at CSU in Wagga Wagga in 2008.

A strong and vocal advocate for quality teacher education in schools and in vocational education and training, Professor Brennan Kemmis was a productive and energetic researcher. She was a member of the CSU Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE).

In 1999, Professor Brennan Kemmis was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1999 for 'service to children and school education, particularly through the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW'.

With a special interest in Indigenous education, Professor Brennan Kemmis was a key player in the development of a postgraduate qualification in Wiradjuri language, culture and heritage. The course started at CSU in 2014.

She was a member of the CSU governing body, the University Council and numerous Faculty and School committees, panels and forums.

In 2013, Professor Brennan Kemmis was awarded a medal by CSU for her 20 years of service.

At the time, she told CSU News "…Charles Sturt University has grown and matured as a regional and international university. It has been a wonderful place to work full of opportunities and wonderful colleagues and friends.

"Every morning as I walked to my office … I thought of the amazing privileges that the University provided and the opportunities for teaching and research that have enriched my life in so many ways."

The CSU community extends its deepest sympathy to Professor Stephen Kemmis and family for their great loss.