Professor Hope will join the University from Deakin University, where he currently serves as the Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He will succeed Professor John McDonald, who will be retiring at the end of March 2025.

Professor Hope brings over 25 years of leadership experience at universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. His previous roles include Dean of Arts and Deputy Chair of Academic Board at Federation University, where his dedication to regional institutions flourished. He recognises the essential contributions that regional universities make in providing access to higher education for diverse communities and believes these institutions have the potential to drive community development and economic growth, ultimately empowering students and enhancing the regions they serve.

Professor Hope holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Durham University, along with postgraduate degrees in social policy, anthropology, and education. An Accredited Fellow of the United Kingdom Higher Education Academy since 2008, he is also a qualified secondary school teacher with experience teaching in sixth form institutions in the UK. As a researcher, he has developed an international profile in two main areas: the critical analysis of school surveillance technologies and the exploration of young people's hazardous online behaviours.

Throughout his career, Professor Hope has focused on advancing academic program development, fostering supportive research environments, and championing equity and inclusion within educational settings. He is passionate about cultivating leadership, building high-performing teams, and creating a culture that emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.

This experience and vision makes Professor Hope an ideal fit for Charles Sturt University, which is committed to connecting our students with the knowledge and wisdom to shape the world. We pride ourselves on our sector-leading course profile, designing leading-edge learning experiences, excellence in teaching and graduate outcomes, and supporting student pathways for aspiration, equity, and diversity.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor John McDonald for his outstanding leadership and dedication as the current Executive Dean. His contributions have greatly impacted the success of our Faculty of Arts and Education, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

Join us in welcoming Professor Andrew Hope and celebrating this exciting new chapter for Charles Sturt University!