Curtin University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket has been recognised in the 2012 Australia Day Honours List.
Professor Hacket has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to tertiary education administration at Curtin University, including fostering links with overseas institutions, and the promotion of equitable educational services for regional communities.
The Australian honours system celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavour. It recognises people in the community whose service and contributions have made a significant difference to Australian life or, more broadly, to humanity at large
Professor Hacket said she was deeply honoured to be recognised along with other Australians in the prestigious Australia Day Honours list who were all working to make a real difference.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to help shape the future direction of higher and international education over the past 30 years and, in particular, during my time at Curtin University,” Professor Hacket said.
“Curtin University is now Western Australia’s largest and most multi-cultural university and is forging a national and international reputation for its research and innovation, as well as for our commitment to teaching the students of the future.
“I am also proud of Curtin’s commitment to Indigenous education and our continuing goal of providing equal access to higher education for disadvantaged groups such as students of Indigenous descent, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and from rural or isolated areas.”
Professor Hacket is an acknowledged expert in the area of international and higher education, of which she has been involved with for more than 30 years.
She joined Curtin’s International Office in the early 1990s as Head of International Programs before taking on the roles of Director of the International Office and then Dean of International Programs.
In 2002, she was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Enterprise and was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2004.
In 2006, Professor Hacket was appointed Vice-Chancellor, and in 2009, the University’s Council unanimously voted to extend her appointment by a further five years.
Professor Hacket started her career as a legal practitioner and associate partner with legal firm Frank Unmack & Cullen. Within three years, she had joined Curtin, initially as a Senior Tutor using her expertise in international and business law.
Under Professor Hacket’s guidance, Curtin University has opened a range of research centres including the Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre and the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, and has also opened overseas campuses in Singapore, and Sarawak Malaysia.
Curtin is also moving ahead with a proposal to open a medical school on its Bentley Campus.
Professor Hacket holds an undergraduate degree in law, a Master of Law (Distinction) from The University of Western Australia, and a PhD (Chancellor’s Commendation) in Strategic Management from Curtin.
She is a legal practitioner, Member of the Law Society of WA, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Curtin University Chancellor Dr Jim Gill, AO, congratulated Professor Hacket.
“Professor Hacket’s leadership in higher education at a local, national and international level has been characterised by her integrity and vision,” Dr Gill said.
“She is a most worthy recipient of this national honour.”
