New appointments add talent to ANU

THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2008

The appointment of both a new Dean for the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences and a Director for the Faculty of Arts will enhance the University’s focus across a wide range of disciplines, ANU Vice-Chancellor Ian Chubb said today.

The two new appointments are Dr Toni Makkai, who joins the University as Dean, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, and Professor Joan Beaumont, who will take up the post of Director, Faculty of Arts.

Dr Makkai joins ANU from the Australian Institute of Criminology and has an outstanding breadth of research and academic experience. Among her qualifications are a PhD in Sociology and Master of Social Planning and Development. She begins her new role on 5 May.

Professor Beaumont joins the University from Deakin University where she was Dean of Arts and Education. Most recently in her distinguished career she was appointed Alfred Deakin Professor in recognition of her sustained contribution to research. She begins her new role on 1 May.

Professor Chubb said both appointments would bring great experience and talent to the University. “Both Professor Beaumont and Dr Makkai are highly experienced academics and researchers, and leaders in their fields. They will bring a considerable depth of talent to their roles and make a great contribution to the team at ANU,” he said.

Dr Makkai said she was excited about her new role and looking forward to building interdisciplinary research and teaching programs across the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences.

“The ANU is filled with creative and highly productive scholars and I am looking forward to harnessing that intellectual capital to enhance the profile of ANU in the fields of arts, social sciences and the humanities,” said Dr Makkai.

“Many of the big policy issues that face government are in areas covered by the College, so I am also keen to encourage closer collaboration between the College and the Federal public service through applied research work and teaching.”

Professor Beaumont said she was excited about her new role.

“ANU has an enviable reputation internationally for its teaching and research and I look forward to working with colleagues to enhance that reputation,” she said.

“I am committed to strengthening the Faculty’s record of research that leads debates, informs professional practice, shapes public policy and contributes to the development of Australia as a creative and knowledge-based economy.”

For images contact: Martyn Pearce, ANU Media Office – (02) 6125 5575 / 0416 249 245