RMIT University appoints new Dean of the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies

Professor Katherine Johnson has been appointed by RMIT University as Dean of the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.

RMIT University is a global university of technology, design and enterprise in which teaching, research and engagement are central to achieving positive impact and creating life-changing experiences for its students. The University’s purpose is to offer life-changing experiences for its students, and to help shape the world with research, innovation, teaching and industry engagement.

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is one of RMIT’s largest schools and provides teaching programs in multiple discipline areas, from undergraduate to PhDs. The School’s vision is to contribute to a just and sustainable world. It delivers education, training and research activity in four areas of focus: Social work, youth work, community services and social policy; Sustainability and urban planning, including Housing; Global and international studies, languages, translating and interpreting; Criminal justice, legal and dispute studies and human rights. The Dean of the School of Global Urban and Social Studies will be responsible for the leadership, strategic direction and management of one of the largest schools at RMIT University.

Society was tasked to assist RMIT University by conducting an extensive global search to look for talented strong leaders to provide strategic and academic leadership to the School through ensuring the continuous improvement of the School’s learning and teaching activities as well as managing its research and development activities.

The appointed candidate was Professor Katherine Johnson, currently Associate Dean of Research and Innovation, Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. Prior to this, she was Professor and Director of Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT University and Professor of Psychology and Sexualities, School of Applied Social Science at the University of Brighton. Katherine has over 15 years experience in senior leadership roles, including Head of Discipline, Research Centre Director, and Associate Dean, Research and Innovation in the social sciences. She is internationally recognised for her research in the field of LGBTQ+ mental health, participatory and visual research methods, and her commitment to working in partnership to improve policy, practice and lives.

We wish her every success in this new role.