Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President

Professor Tristan Kennedy

Professor Tristan Kennedy is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University. He joined Monash in December 2022 as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous).

An internationally recognised researcher and educator with experience across the higher education sector, Professor Kennedy brings strong business acumen, research collaboration and aspirational leadership, drawing on his own research to contribute to improved outcomes for Indigenous staff, students and the wider community. He is driven by a genuine passion for making significant and positive contributions to building the presence of Indigenous research and fostering the success of Indigenous advancement in higher education in Australia and abroad.

In his time at Monash University Professor Kennedy has overseen significant progress towards improved outcomes for Indigenous students, staff, and communities. In 2023 he launched a targeted Indigenous Research Action Plan which refocused Monash University on Indigenous-led research and prioritising positive community impact. In 2024, Professor Kennedy convened the first Monash Indigenous Congress, providing voices for Indigenous staff and students at the highest level of University governance.

Professor Kennedy is focused on growing international interest and collaboration in First Nations research and has built strong relationships across South East Asia and the Pacific with First Nations and allied partners. His work on this front is squarely aimed at realising positive impact for First Nations peoples and communities in the regions where Monash University has a major presence.

His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (2007), Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (2011) and Doctor of Philosophy (2019) from Flinders University, and a Graduate Diploma of Education (2008) from the University of Adelaide.

Professor Kennedy publishes extensively on Indigenous experiences of digital technology and higher education, with his widely cited research exploring how digital innovations foster strong global communities and pave the way for greater Indigenous participation in academia.

Professor Kennedy is an Aboriginal man with Noongar ancestry who grew up on Kaurna Country in South Australia and is a member of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council in Western Australia. He has the distinct privilege to work on the unceded lands of the Kulin Nations where our Australia campuses are located, paying respects to the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples as the Traditional Custodians of these lands.

He and his family are passionate about community-led sustainable building practices and have recently completed construction of one of South Australia’s first Earthship-inspired off-grid homes.

Kim Tang
Chief of Staff
E: kim.tang1@monash.edu

Natalie Czerniawski
Senior Adviser, Governance & Strategy
E: natalie.czerniawski@monash.edu

Brady Cooper
Yorta Yorta
Indigenous Graduate Program Manager
E: brady.cooper@monash.edu

Will Sullivan
Manager, Programs and Engagement
E: will.sullivan@monash.edu

Kaimani Hendry
Arrernte
International / National First Nations' Relations Officer
E: kaimani.hendry@monash.edu

Luke Hodge
Dunghutti
Communications Coordinator
E: luke.hodge1@monash.edu