Deborah Heck leads the School of Education and Tertiary Access at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. The role of Dean centres on fostering a sustainable educational environment and driving strategic initiatives. With a focus on high-quality, innovative teaching programs, Debbie spearhead’s efforts that ensure long-term satisfaction and loyalty among stakeholders. At the helm, her responsibilities extend to robust financial management of the school’s budget and academic workforce planning.
Concurrently, as Chair of the Queensland Council of Deans of Education, Debbie is at the forefront of advocating for public education policy and elevating the status of educators. Committed to lifelong learning, she actively connects with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to understand and engage with decolonising practices in higher education. Debbie’s leadership is defined by a passion for leveraging educational research and insights to inform policy and practice, thereby reinforcing her commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.