News

In conversation with Professor Larissa McLean Davies

As we welcome our new Executive Dean, it's a wonderful opportunity to get to know the person behind the leadership, hear about the experiences that have shaped their vision and discover what lies ahead for the Faculty of Education and Arts. 

Could you share a little about your professional journey – where you began, and the key experiences that have led you to this point in your career?

I come from a family of teachers and ministers, so education for me has always been deeply embedded with faith, connection and the development of the whole person. Early on, I saw how education can transform lives, especially when people are encouraged to bring their full selves to the learning experience.

My professional journey began as an English and music teacher before I completed a PhD in literary studies at the University of Melbourne. I was driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of disciplinary knowledge and the critical role universities play in advancing understanding of the disciplines.

From there, I moved into lecturing in English education, embracing opportunities to take on leadership roles. It was during this time that I discovered my passion not only for working with students and colleagues, but also for building meaningful partnerships, because I believe a university is only as strong as the connections it fosters. What excites me about ACU is its national reach and its strong mission, vision and values, which champion flourishing lives, inclusion and community.

From your perspective, what defines impactful and enduring partnerships in education?

Through collaborating with state and territory departments on several large, significant projects, I have learned strong relationships must be both built and nurtured over time.

As a national university, ACU is uniquely positioned to respond to shared challenges across multiple contexts. This perspective allows us to think beyond state and territory borders and to deeply consider how we prepare teachers, researchers and professionals across the arts and humanities.

As we look ahead to 2026, what opportunities do you see emerging for FEA and for the broader education sector?

We know the teacher shortage is a significant issue, both locally and globally – affecting not only recruitment but also retention. At ACU, we remain committed to preparing outstanding teachers, while also providing them with professional development and support throughout every stage of their careers. By working closely with school systems, dioceses, state and territory governments and the Commonwealth we can help prepare and retain teachers, equipping them for success, supporting them through challenges, and strengthening the teaching profession.

Also vital are the disciplines that make up the arts and humanities. In a world in crisis, our understanding of what it means to be human, and to live in a world in such a way that supports and sustains us and our environment ethically, culturally and socially, is imperative.

Research is also core to our mission. Through strategic partnerships, we are undertaking the kind of evidence-based inquiry needed to better understand and support students across Australia and internationally – what programs they need, which supports make a difference and how best to prepare them for careers in diverse and evolving environments. These are significant opportunities and we need to speak confidently to them.

Fun fact

I hold a Bachelor of Music with honours from The Conservatorium at the University of Melbourne and play the piano. While my children often joke that I should retire my singing voice – and a high school music teacher once said I'd only ever sing in a pub – I continue to play and this brings me great joy.