Emeritus Sally Walker AM

Commencing her academic career at the University of Melbourne in 1980, Professor Walker worked in the area of Commercial Law, in particular, Trade Practices Law.

Anticipating the impending importance of media and communications, she developed a new undergraduate subject of Media Law. Professor Walker also assumed wider roles within Melbourne University as Pro Vice Chancellor (1997) and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor (2000). In 2003, Professor Walker was appointed as Vice Chancellor and President at Deakin University, and held these positions until July 2010.

Under Professor Walker's tenure, Deakin University grew in reputation within Victoria, nationally and internationally. In this period, the growth in student and staff numbers exceeded any other Australian university. She also developed a successful capital works program and a renewed focus on excellence in research and teaching.

As a result of her leadership, lobbying and commitment to rural and regional engagement, Professor Walker was instrumental in opening Victoria's third medical school at Deakin University in 2008. Since 2010, Professor Walker has undertaken consultancy work for the Federal and Victorian Governments and she now works as a Principal at Deloitte. In 2011, Professor Walker was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to education, to the law as an academic and to the advancement of women.