Media release

Australian Catholic University (ACU) has appointed Professor Elizabeth Labone to the role of Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and the Arts, with the appointment to formally start on 1 January 2019.

Professor Labone has worked at ACU since 2000, initially as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education (NSW). The academic has held various leadership roles within the school of Education, including Assistant Head of School NSW (Research), Director Higher Degree Research within the Faculty of Education, head of Education NSW/ACT, and National Head of School of Education, prior to undertaking the role of Acting Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Arts.

On being selected for the strategic position, Professor Labone said, "I am delighted to accept the appointment to the position of Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts."

"The position reflects my life-long commitment to higher education and the important role it plays in enriching and shaping our society.

"ACU has a distinctive and successful profile in the fields of Education and Arts underpinned by the values of Truth, Academic Excellence and Service.  This distinctiveness creates a unique platform on which to build the Faculty's future in an increasingly complex environment.

"As Executive Dean, I look forward to leading the Faculty into the future and building a strong, innovative and successful profile."

Before starting at ACU, Professor Labone completed her PhD, which was funded through an Australian Postgraduate Award.

Professor Labone holds a PhD from the University of Sydney, the title of her Thesis: The Role of Teacher Efficacy Beliefs in the Development and Prevention of Teacher Burnout; a Master of Education from The University of Sydney; and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Canberra.

With a higher education career spanning 25 years, Professor Labone leads a number of national and international projects in teacher education, including the Teach for Australia Leadership Development Program, for which ACU delivers a Masters in Teaching.

For the past three years, Professor Labone has been on the Executive of the NSW Council of Deans of Education.

She is also actively engaged with the school sector in partnership projects, advisory and board roles.

The life-long educator began her career as a teacher, working both in the Catholic and government sectors and then began her academic career at The University of Sydney.

Professor Labone has been acting in the position since 22 February 2018. ACU Provost Professor Pauline Nugent said she was appointed after a competitive recruitment process.

"We are fortunate that Professor Labone has developed into this leadership role from within our academic workforce and I look forward to continuing to work with Elizabeth in this role," Professor Nugent said.