News

Professor Larissa McLean Davies appointed Executive Dean Education and Arts

Professor Larissa McLean Davies has been appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts at Australian Catholic University.

Professor McLean Davies joins ACU from the University of Melbourne, where she has held senior academic and executive leadership roles since 2013, including Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education.

ACU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Julie Cogin said Professor McLean Davies was uniquely positioned to lead the faculty, bringing invaluable expertise across the arts and education.

“She brings a rare blend of leadership experience, scholarly distinction, and personal commitment to education as a force for transformation,” Professor Cogin said.

“Her collaborative and values-driven leadership style has been shaped by early career experience in faith-based education and informed by a personal and scholarly commitment to flourishing lives, thriving communities, and an ethical future.

“Her strong alignment with ACU’s mission and Vision 2033 positions her to guide the Faculty of Education and Arts with vision and integrity. We look forward to her leading the faculty into its next phase of growth and impact, nationally and internationally.”

Professor McLean Davies has successfully led large interdisciplinary research teams, securing more than $4 million in competitive grants, and has established two research labs exploring the intersection of literature, literacy, and social justice. Her current ARC Linkage Grant supports research on 'Reading Climate: Indigenous knowledges, school English and sustainability’.

Professor McLean Davies has also demonstrated national impact in shaping the future of teacher education, leading the development of a national Teaching Performance Assessment tool, which is now used across Australia.

She brings a deep commitment to student and teacher learning, innovation in curriculum design, and the creation of transformative educational opportunities.

Professor McLean Davies will officially join ACU on December 1, 2025.