Dr Sarah O’Shea is both a Distinguished Professor and  Dean, Graduate Research at Charles Sturt University as well as holding an Honorary Professorial position with the University of Wollongong. Driven by a commitment to systemic change, Professor O’Shea continues to influence the future of education—bridging research, leadership, and practice to ensure opportunity for all. As a member of the ARC, College of Experts, a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), an Australian Learning and Teaching Fellow (ALTF), and a Churchill Fellow, Sarah’s contributions have earned recognition at the highest levels.

As a nationally and internationally recognised educator and researcher, Sarah has worked across education sectors for nearly 30 years. She has held numerous university leadership positions, which have directly informed changes across the Australian higher education sector, particularly in the field of student access and participation. This work has been used to inform both government policy and also teaching practices, with regular invitations to contribute expertise to government panels, peak bodies, professional associations as well as educational providers.

Professor O’Shea has led academic and professional teams with responsibility for budgets up to $10 million, as well as managing her own diverse and active international research grant agenda. Sarah’s particular expertise in educational inclusion and equity issues has resulted in invitations to present keynotes, symposia, and workshops globally as well as providing contributions across media including print, television and radio. She is a prolific writer, with over 120 publications including books, book chapters, scholarly journal articles, media articles and commissioned reports produced in the last decade.