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ACU appoints Dr John Burdick to lead student experience portfolio

ACU has appointed Dr John Burdick as Director of Student Experience and Enhancement, a key portfolio focused on student success, engagement and wellbeing.

Dr Burdick has extensive leadership in the higher education sector, most recently serving as Associate Dean, Student Success at New York University (NYU). In this role, he provided strategic leadership across NYU’s largest college, overseeing a comprehensive portfolio focused on enhancing student engagement, belonging, and progression.

Dr Burdick has a distinguished record of leadership, underpinned by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the success of all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

ACU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Tania Broadley welcomed the appointment.

“At ACU, our students are at the heart of everything we do. Under John’s leadership, the Student Experience portfolio will continue to play a vital role in making sure we deliver a connected and caring university experience,” Professor Broadley said.

“John’s professional values and achievements align closely with ACU’s mission-driven approach to the student experience, fostering a meaningful, cohesive, and personalised journey for every student.”

Dr Burdick said he was excited to join ACU at a time of growth and transformation.

“The higher education landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, and I look forward to creating systems at ACU that foster access, belonging and success,” Dr Burdick said.

“There is an opportunity to embrace technology and innovation, while remaining anchored in mission and tradition.

“My approach has always been to place people, values, and community at the heart of everything I do. The student experience isn’t a supplement to ACU’s mission and vision but its most visible embodiment.”

Dr Burdick and his family will relocate to Australia from New York later this year. He will be based at the North Sydney Campus from mid-January 2026.