Julia Gillard to be honorary professor at the University of Adelaide

Julia Gillard with University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington.
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Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accepted an honorary Visiting Professorship with her alma mater, the University of Adelaide.

"The University is delighted Ms Gillard will make a significant contribution to our School of History and Politics," said the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

"As Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard has unique knowledge and experience to offer any university, and we are honoured that she has chosen to return to the University of Adelaide, where she began her tertiary education.

"Through her contribution to seminars and our internship program, she will share her experiences and insights with both current and future students."

He said Adelaide politics students had benefited from the contributions of an array of former political leaders, including Liberal Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, leader of the Democrats Natasha Stott Despoja and SA Premier Professor John Bannon.

Ms Gillard said she was looking forward to her new role with University of Adelaide staff and students.

Ms Gillard said: "I am absolutely delighted to be associated in such a meaningful way with the University of Adelaide and its students and faculty.

"I have been warmly welcomed, and look forward to becoming a part of the academic endeavours of the School of History and Politics. I will also be co-locating my offices as a former Prime Minister at the University and working there regularly."

Ms Gillard studied Law and Arts at the University of Adelaide from 1979 to 1981. She was introduced to politics as President of Adelaide University Union, and served as a student representative on the Adelaide University Council. Ms Gillard was also afforded the honour of giving an address at a graduation ceremony. She later moved to Melbourne to continue her involvement in student politics at a national level and complete her Law/Arts degree at the University of Melbourne.

First elected to the House of Representatives at the 1998 federal election, she became Deputy Prime Minister in 2007 also serving as Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion. She was Prime Minister from 2010 to 2013.

The appointment at the University of Adelaide, which is unpaid, will commence on 1 November 2013.

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