• Charles Sturt appoints Professor Stan Grant Jnr as the Vice-Chancellor’s Chair of Australian-Indigenous Belonging

Charles Sturt University is proud to announce that Professor Stan Grant Jnr commenced as the Vice-Chancellor’s Chair of Australian-Indigenous Belonging on Monday 30 March.

Professor Grant Jnr was appointed the Chair of Indigenous Affairs in 2016 and this new role, which has been in discussion for a year, continues his already strong association with the University.

He is also the son of Dr Uncle Stan Grant Snr, a Wiradjuri elder and co-ordinator of the University’s Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture, and Heritage.

“My family has a long and deep association with Charles Sturt University,” Professor Grant said.

“Being a Wiradjuri person, and of course that Charles Sturt University sits largely on Wiradjuri land, my traditional country … Charles Sturt University is the perfect institution for me.

“I am honoured to join Charles Sturt University to explore the convergence of Indigenous issues with national and global shifts in politics and power.”

Professor Grant will join the University and bring decades of experience as an educator, journalist and film producer to explore and answer questions of belonging, home, history and identity.

In his new role, Professor Grant will engage students, faculty members and the media to discuss issues of belonging and identity.

Professor Grant aims to lecture and speak nationally and internationally to explore an ever-changing world in what he says is a critical time in national and global history.

“I want to be provocative and challenging as well as, hopefully, enlightening,” he said.

“The world is in the grip of crisis and teetering on global recession, the impact could permanently change the way we live.

“All of these issues are central to Australia’s future and the future of Indigenous peoples in our country.

“There is important work to do at a critical time in our national and global history, and what a privilege it is to do that and live and work on my ancestral Wiradjuri country.”

Professor Grant will work with Charles Sturt’s Office of Indigenous Affairs and will be based at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

He will report directly to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Engagement) Professor Heather Cavanagh, who said this new role will contribute to the advancement of nationhood and the advancement of Indigenous peoples.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Professor Stan Grant Jnr into this position,” she said.

“His experience educating people about Indigenous rights and processes will be a valuable asset to the University and our commitment to Indigenous education.”