ProfessorGary Smith

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at Deakin University (2013–2021)

Held responsibility for:

• Developing, nurturing, and monitoring Australian and international educational partnerships

• Branding, marketing, and positioning the University nationally and globally

• Recruiting Australian and international students

• Enhancing graduate employment outcomes and promoting “job-ready” graduates

Prior to his time at Deakin, he held senior executive roles at the University of Western Sydney, including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement & International) and Executive Dean of the College of Arts. He also previously held academic appointments at Deakin University and the University of Adelaide as Professor of International Relations. He has published extensively on Australia’s foreign policy, its engagement with Asia, international relations in the Asia-Pacific, and global society. He holds a BA (Hons) and PhD from Monash University.

He viewed Deakin’s expanded engagement with Asia and other regions as part of a broader national trend toward deeper international connectedness—an essential driver of Australia’s security, prosperity, and capacity to collaborate on global challenges.

He currently serves on the boards of two TEQSA-approved private higher education providers: the Analytics Institute of Australia and Laurus Higher Education. At both institutions, he also chairs the Academic Board, contributing to governance frameworks and strategic planning to strengthen quality assurance and organisational performance.

As a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he is committed to applying his governance and executive leadership expertise to support high-quality growth and deliver positive outcomes for educational organisations seeking strategic direction at the board level.