University staff resource and coordinate the work of the Colleges and Schools, and provide support to the University Council, Academic Board and their committees.
University Leadership
The Vice-Chancellor
Professor James McLaren
BA(Hons), MA, DPhil
Professor James McLaren is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Divinity. He is an internationally acclaimed scholar of ancient Jewish, Roman and Early Christian Studies.
Chair of the Academic Board
Professor Katharine Massam
FRHistS, ASDA, BA(Hons), DipEd, PhD
Katharine is a Professor of the University and Chair of the Academic Board. With members of the Board, she is responsible for oversight of the University’s academic work and advice to Council on academic matters. Katharine is a member of the University Council, and chairs the Academic Promotions Committee. She is also a member of the Learning and Teaching Committee and the University Executive. Katharine is a historian whose writing focusses on the intersection of theology and wider culture, often focussed through religious communities and their lived experience of prayer and work.
Dean of Learning and Teaching
Naomi Wolfe
BA, BTeach, GCDiv, GDDiv, MTS, MTS
Naomi Wolfe is a trawlwoolway Aboriginal woman of Jewish German and Irish heritage who lives and works on Wurundjeri Country (Melbourne, Australia). She is a historian and theologian whose teaching and research focus on Indigenous and ancient histories. Naomi is committed to fostering collaborative learning between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff and students in ways that break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and cultivate relationships grounded in respect. Her professional interests include Indigenous cross-cultural formation, Indigenous pedagogies, and Indigenous theology. She also has a research interest in Second Temple history, particularly the lives of Hasmonean and Herodian women, and in collaborative projects that nurture a love of learning.
Dean of the School of Graduate Research
Professor Liz Boase
BAppSci (Speech and Hearing), BD(Honours), PhD
Liz Boase is a Professor of the University and the Dean of the School of Graduate Research. Liz is responsible for the higher degree by research and minor thesis programs, including oversight of candidates and supervisors, and the delivery of programs that support successful completion, including teaching a unit on research methodologies. Liz chairs the School of Graduate Research Committee and is a member of the University Executive, the Academic Board, and the Research Strategy Committee.
Dean of Research Strategy
Professor Megan Cassidy-Welch
FAHA, FRHistS, BA(Hons), MA, PhD
Megan is a Professor of the University and the Dean of Research Strategy. She leads the University’s development and delivery of its research strategy, leads the administration of internal research support and the implementation of the University’s research budget, leads the development and maintenance of the University’s research culture, including mentoring and other support. Megan’s area of research is the cultural and social history of the Middle Ages and her research has contributed to the history of the crusades, memory and history, and medieval Cistercian monastic life.
Office of the Vice-Chancellor Staff Directory
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC) staff facilitate the University’s corporate and governance functions.
| Name | Position | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Professor James McLaren | Vice-Chancellor | |
| Professor Katharine Massam | Chair of the Academic Board | |
| Naomi Wolfe | Dean of Learning and Teaching | Academic Programs |
| Immanuel Vyas | Academic Compliance Manager | Academic Programs |
| Jason Gu | Financial Controller | OVC Finance |
| Chloe Liu | Accountant | OVC Finance |
| Patricia Tan | Accountant | OVC Finance |
| Hannah Hornsby | University Secretary and EA to the Vice-Chancellor | OVC Governance |
| Rohan Edmeades | Information Technology Manager | OVC IT |
| Tyson Lloyd Thwaites | IT Support Engineer | OVC IT |
| Meg Nelson | Operations Manager | OVC Operations |
| Val Ignateva | Student Services Manager | OVC Student Services |
| Saranya Tosomran | Student Services Officer | OVC Student Services |
| Eriana Matondang | Student Services Assistant | OVC Student Services |
| Professor Megan Cassidy-Welch | Dean of Research Strategy | Research Strategy |
| Dr Paul Daniels | Research Administrative Officer | Research Strategy |
| Professor Liz Boase | Dean of the School of Graduate Research | School of Graduate Research |
| Dr Rebekah Pryor | Doctor of Professional Practice Director | School of Graduate Research |
| Dr Suman Kashyap | Registrar of the School of Graduate Research | School of Graduate Research |