Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning early childhood, schooling and higher education, and now serves as UniSC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education). Before joining UniSC, she held senior executive roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Dean of Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement, and Deputy Dean (Education) at other Australian universities. Her career has included significant contributions to national curriculum and assessment development, student success and retention strategies, the integration of contemporary educational technologies, and the design of inclusive learning environments that support diverse student cohorts.
In her role at UniSC, Professor Dinan-Thompson leads institutional strategy across learning, teaching, and student engagement, with oversight of the full student lifecycle, from access and transition through to progression, success and graduation. She works closely with academic and professional teams to ensure UniSC’s programs meet the highest standards of quality, integrity and inclusion, and that assessment and teaching practices align with emerging pedagogical and technological trends. Maree is committed to advancing academic excellence, strengthening professional capability across academic and technical staff, and shaping a transformative, student-centred experience that reflects UniSC’s strategic priorities.
Her professional interests include curriculum design and implementation across educational levels, assessment literacy and the development of authentic, future-focused assessment practices, and the role of educational technology in improving access and equity. She is also deeply engaged in work related to Indigenous knowledges in education and inclusive pedagogies that enrich learning for all students.
Professor Dinan-Thompson has an extensive publication record in curriculum change, assessment and pedagogical practice, and has led national initiatives in curriculum and assessment reform across school and tertiary sectors. She currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee of UniSC’s Academic Board (2025).
Learn more about UniSC’s approach to learning and teaching by visiting Learning and Teaching at UniSC.