ECU Study: Indigenous University Choices Factors | AcademicJobs
Explore the latest ECU research on what drives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to university, from relational sparks to cultural safety.
Always positive and enthusiastic in class.
Inspires confidence and independent thinking.
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Professor Braden Hill, a Nyungar (Wardandi) man from the south-west of Western Australia, serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) at Edith Cowan University. In this senior leadership role, he oversees student success, equity initiatives, and Indigenous affairs, driving institutional strategies for inclusive higher education. Previously, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Indigenous) and Head of Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research. Professor Hill's academic background includes a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), a Bachelor of Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies), and a Masters by Research in Indigenous Education, earned from Murdoch University, where he later received the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for his outstanding contributions to higher education, equity, and Indigenous leadership.
Professor Hill's research specializations focus on Indigenous education, identity politics, queer identities in education, and transformative learning. He is chief investigator on significant projects, including one examining the lived experiences of Indigenous LGBTQI people to enhance support from community health organizations serving queer-identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. His scholarly impact is evidenced by over 338 citations on Google Scholar. Key publications include 'Insights into the lived experiences of WA Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander students in higher education' (2021, 28 citations), 'Breaking the silence: Insights from WA services working with Aboriginal LGBTQI clients' (2021), ''Wings to fly': a strengths-based transition program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' (2021), 'Unseen inequities: The role of leadership in addressing diversity in Australian universities' (2023), and 'What does this mean if you are Aboriginal and LGBT+ and studying at university?' (2024). Through these works and his executive appointments, Professor Hill has profoundly influenced equity, diversity, and inclusion in Australian higher education, fostering environments that empower Indigenous and marginalized students. He was a finalist for the 2025 National NAIDOC Education Award, recognizing his dedication to educational advancement for First Nations peoples.
Explore the latest ECU research on what drives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to university, from relational sparks to cultural safety.
