Professor Carol Grech

Professor Carol Grech is the Pro Vice Chancellor: Student Engagement and Equity at the University of South Australia (UniSA), having previously held the position of Head of School, Nursing and Midwifery.  In her role she is responsible for the oversight of the Student Engagement Unit; UniSA College; Mt Gambier and Whyalla Campuses; and the office of the Student Ombud.  Carol is also responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the university’s student engagement and experience activities; work integrated learning framework; transition and success activities; and alternative pathways for students from non-traditional backgrounds. Carol is committed to ensuring that students at UniSA can study in an educational environment that values meaningful engagement, diversity and that active, collaborative learning occurs in intellectually and culturally responsive ways. 

Carol has led a number of initiatives to improve the student experience, including the development of an innovative teaching and learning project to create a virtual city where real and virtual worlds are merged to create a unique learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate health professional students.

Carol’s professional and academic career spans over many years as a critical care nurse, educator, academic and researcher.  She is a well-respected leader in higher education and the preparation and regulation of registered health professionals.  Carol is an executive member of the Australian and New Zealand Council of Deans (Nursing and Midwifery) and is a Board member of the Rosemary Bryant Foundation.  She is also an active member of the Leaders in Indigenous Nursing and Midwifery Education Network as well as the National ACCCN Education Advisory Panel.  She is an Editor of the Australian Critical Care (ACC) journal and manages the online Continuing Professional Development learning activity linked to the lead article in each issue of the journal.

Carol is well published and has been involved in several national and international research consultancies attracting more than $2million dollars in grants.  Her research interests extend across critical thinking in higher education, quality and safety in health, practice standards, risk management and harm minimisation.  

• Board Member: Rosemary Bryant Research Foundation
• Executive Member: Council of Deans and Nursing (Australia and New Zealand)
• Editor: Australian Critical Care Journal
• Member: Education Advisory Panel: Australian College of Critical Care Nurses
• Member: Australian College of Critical Care Nurses
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Registered Nurse)

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy The University of Adelaide

• Master of Nursing Flinders University

• Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Critical Care) Deakin University

• Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing) South Australian College of Advanced Education

• Bachelor of Nursing (Education) South Australian College of Advanced Education