One of the most influential leaders in the history of the University and in higher education in Australia, Professor Denise Bradley was a fierce advocate for the vital role of education in transforming lives, as a leader at UniSA and then its Vice Chancellor for 10 years. Prof Bradley ensured equity was a foundational goal for the university and one that was always reinforced in its culture and practice.
In her own career, she battled all the pervasive stereotypes of her era about working women, married women, and women with children, and carved out a brilliant career that took her from high school teacher, to one of the most respected leaders in higher education in Australia.
In 1991, when the University of South Australia was established, she was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor, prior to appointment as Vice Chancellor in 1997. She was only the third woman to hold a position at that level in a tertiary institution in Australia.
Prof Bradley dedicated her career to making changes that would see more women, more Aboriginal people and more people from low social and economic backgrounds have the transformational opportunity of a good education.
Among an impressive register of accolades, Prof Bradley was an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1995; a recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2003; named South Australian of the Year in 2005; made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2008; and was conferred the prestigious College Medal by the Australian College of Educators in 2011. On her retirement from the University of South Australia, she received an Honorary Doctorate and an Emeritus Professorship of the University.
The Bradley Building is named in her honour and is a modern symbol of Prof Bradley's legacy and contribution to our university.
