Curtin University has appointed acclaimed academic leader Professor SueAnne Ware as its new Head of School of Design and the Built Environment in the Faculty of Humanities.
Professor Ware joins Curtin from the University of Newcastle. She is internationally renowned for her academic leadership, particularly for her ground-breaking work in practice-based research forging better connections between professions and universities and transforming learning experiences for students across the globe.
Since graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Colorado State University, Professor Ware completed her PhD at RMIT University and has spent the past 30-plus years working for and with academic institutions across the world, including the US, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Spain and China.
With her background in landscape architecture, Professor Ware’s extensive award-winning research and creative works straddle the worlds of design and activism, with a focus on how people — particularly disadvantaged communities — interact with built environments.
Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the appointment would provide immense benefit to the Curtin community.
“Professor Ware has extensive experience as Dean, Built Environment and as Head of School in the University of Newcastle and will be a valuable addition to the University,” he said.
“Her experience and leadership will greatly contribute to the high-quality teaching and research conducted in Curtin’s School of Design and the Built Environment.”
Professor Ware said she was excited to join Curtin and the School of Design and Built Environment when she begins her new role in March 2024.
“I look forward to being a new resident on Whadjak Noongar Country and wish to acknowledge the importance of the traditional custodians and their regimes of care for Country,” she said.
“I hope to co-design and collaborate across the School, University and, importantly, in the wider community in my new role at Curtin University.
“Design and built environment professions are integral in shaping resilient and agile futures; fortunately, the School is well placed to do this important work.”
