Monash appoints Professor Mary Ryan as next Dean, Faculty of Education
Monash University has appointed Professor Mary Ryan as Dean, Faculty of Education following a competitive global search.
Professor Mary Ryan
Professor Ryan joins Monash from the Australian Catholic University (ACU), where she has served as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts since 2022 and concurrently as the Founding Director of the Learning and Leadership Enterprise since 2023.
With more than 30 years experience, Professor Ryan has made many invaluable contributions to the education sector. In her capacity as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Arts, Professor Ryan has enabled transdisciplinary teaching and research programs with a strong focus on impact, external engagement and revenue diversification.
Under Professor Ryan’s leadership as Founding Director, the ACU’s Learning and Leadership Enterprise has brought together world-class researchers and industry experts to deliver innovative programs that have advanced education quality and equity at local community, industry, state and national levels. The initiative established cross-sector partnerships and collaborations with the Commonwealth government, the NSW State Government, Microsoft and multiple school systems.
As a leading advocate for education, Professor Ryan has advised state governments across multiple states on educational issues and teacher education. She is also the Immediate Past President of the New South Wales Council of Deans of Education, Chair of the Education Research Council for Australian Independent Schools New South Wales, and a board member of the NSW Education Standards Authority. She is a recognised thought leader, regularly providing commentary for national media, including ABC News, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian.
Professor Ryan’s academic research has focused on education across the lifespan, reflective practice, writing pedagogy and teacher education. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).
She has maintained a strong publication record with more than 110 chapters and journal papers. She has attracted more than $16 million in external funding, including Australian Research Council grants in teaching for diversity in teacher education and improving classroom writing. She has received multiple awards and honours for her achievements in teaching and research, including being named in both the SCOPUS and Stanford University global top two per cent of researchers in education.
Professor Ryan’s academic qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University (2007) and the Cambridge Senior Management Program (2025). She began her career working as a classroom teacher for a decade from 1990 to 2000.
Monash University is delighted to welcome Professor Ryan to further elevate the strong, global reputation of the Faculty of Education. Professor Ryan will commence her new role at Monash on 25 August 2025.