Curtin University is proud to announce that Professor Jonathan Bullen will return to the University in 2026 as its inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous.
A proud Wardandi Noongar and Yamatji man from Western Australia’s south-west, Professor Bullen is well known to the Curtin community. During his previous tenure at the University, he played a fundamental role in shaping Indigenous strategic approaches and governance models and embedding Indigenous education, research and engagement as core to Curtin’s identity, purpose and future.
His leadership as Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Indigenous Advancement; Chair of the Indigenous Leadership Group; Associate Professor and Research Fellow in the enAble Institute; and Curtin Medical School’s first appointed Indigenous academic established enduring foundations for Indigenous advancement at Curtin.
Since leaving Curtin in 2024 to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at Griffith University, Professor Bullen has continued to lead transformative change in higher education. At Griffith, he worked to ensure Indigenous perspectives are embedded across the institution’s core functions, shifting from a centralised approach to a whole-of-university model of responsibility and accountability. He has also strengthened governance frameworks and deepened engagement with the communities and country that Griffith’s campuses reside on.
Professor Bullen said returning to Curtin and Whadjuk Noongar Country reflects both a deep personal connection and a commitment to advancing the work he helped begin.
“Curtin has a distinctive narrative of Indigenous advancement that is part of its identity, purpose and future. This role offers the opportunity to further embed Indigenous perspectives across the University’s decision-making and create the conditions for Indigenous people to lead, succeed and flourish,” Professor Bullen said.
“Coming back to Curtin and to Whadjuk Noongar Country is deeply meaningful for me. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to continue the work we began here – embedding Indigenous perspectives not as an addition to the University’s mission, but as a core part of who we are and I am excited to work with colleagues, students and community to make that a reality.”
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Professor Bullen’s return will strengthen the University’s leadership and play a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous education, research and engagement.
“Jonathan brings exceptional strategic insight, respect for culture, and executive leadership experience, making him ideally placed to help Curtin further its commitment to First Nations people,” Professor Hayne said.
“His return marks an important moment for Curtin on its Reconciliation journey and I am confident he will make an immediate and positive impact as he’s welcomed back into the Curtin community.
“My sincere thanks to Deputies Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at Deakin University and UNSW respectively, Professor Mark Rose and Professor Leanne Holt, for their invaluable insights as part of our recruitment panel.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at Curtin University provides strategic leadership and direction on initiatives that promote Indigenous participation, engagement, education and research across the University, working closely with Indigenous communities, government, industry and the broader higher education sector.
