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ACU celebrates staff excellence

The 2025 Vice-Chancellor's Staff Excellence Awards were held at the Melbourne campus this week, celebrating the outstanding work of staff across the university.

From inclusive education programs in the Pacific to improving accessibility for student veterans and creating pathways for Indigenous staff, members of the ACU community were recognised across six categories.

The annual awards publicly acknowledge staff excellence that supports the mission of ACU and its 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2033.

Top honours went to Ms Michelle Lopez, who received the 2025 Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Excellence in recognition of her leadership as inaugural Director of ACU’s Graduate Research School and higher degree research (HDR) program. 

Ms Lopez was also awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Staff Excellence Award for Research and Innovation for the Common Good. 

“This recognition is truly humbling, and I am grateful for the remarkable support and collaboration of our university community,” Ms Lopez said.

A cornerstone initiative under Michelle’s leadership was the creation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Training Industry Partnership Program, which links PhD candidates with mission-aligned partners and builds pathways into externally funded industry PhD programs.

“It is exciting to witness the growth of ACU’s Industry PhD program, which brings together graduate researchers, leading academics, and industry partners in a shared vision to drive impact, spark innovation, and create lasting benefits for the communities we serve,” Michelle said.

“We are committed to partnering with communities, industry, government, and institutions across our region to tackle society’s most pressing challenges and create pathways of meaningful impact for the common good.” 

Grounded in ACU’s mission of human flourishing, the GRS initiatives equip HDR students for careers in areas of national and regional need, including the care economy.

“Our human-centered approach to problem-solving and innovation sets us apart, uniquely positioning ACU as a university of choice for research training both locally and globally,” Ms Lopez said.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the annual awards showcased the many ways academic and professional staff were helping deliver on the ambitions of Vision 2033. 

“This year’s winners exemplify the outstanding calibre of work happening across the university, directly advancing ACU’s mission and strategic vision,” Professor Skrbis said.

“The strength of this year’s nominations reflects the deep commitment, expertise, and impact of our staff, highlighting a shared dedication to excellence and making a meaningful contribution in the communities we serve.”

Congratulations to our excellent staff

Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Excellence
Research and innovation for the common good 
Graduate Research School – Michelle Lopez

Mission and community impact 
Inclusive Education: Solomon Islands Deaf Language and Culture Program
Associate Professor Mellita Jones OAM

Transformative education and student experience 
Five2Study, a higher education transition platform for ADF veterans and their families
Aaron Cornwall, Tenille Duggan and Elaine Rotor

Impactful education-research integration 
Transformative educational leadership
Dr Betty Frino

Local and global strategic partnerships 

The team behind the global media coverage of the ‘Two Popes’
Rev. Dr James McEvoy, Associate Professor Joel Hodge, Dr Sandie Cornish, Professor Clare Johnson, Jacqui Remond, Dr Claudio Betti, Associate Professor Maeve Heaney, Associate Professor Darius von Güttner, Dr Antonia Pizzey, Dr Paul Taylor, Louise Crossen, Emilie Ng. 

Institutional and ESG excellence 

For his commitment to ACU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, strengthening employment pathways and retention.
Kelly Roberts