Sara Wills is currently the Associate Dean for Engagement and Advancement in the Faculty of Arts, Head of Program for the Executive Master of Arts in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deputy Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute and an Associate Professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies. Born in the UK, Sara migrated to Australia in her mid-teens and, following an early (and continuing) interest in aspects of the history of ideas about nature, she has mainly focused her academic teaching and research on aspects of migration, multicultural and refugee studies and histories, with particular reference to memory and museum studies.
She has taught the undergraduate subject 'Migrant Nation: History, Culture, Identity' for over 10 years and supervised many theses to completion in this broad field that examines 'those who have performed the act of which all men anciently dream, the thing for which they envy the birds; that is to say we have flown' (to borrow from Salman Rushdie). In addition to this interest in what it means to appear to defy history, memory and time as a migrant (while mindful also of the deep 'routes' and 'roots' that orient the Aboriginal family of which she became a part over 20 years ago), Sara is also invested in the idea that an education in the humanities prepares one for the great work that makes a great life. To that end, she has enjoyed teaching 'The Power of Ideas: 10 Great Books' and 'Leaders, Business and Culture in Florence' as part of the unique Executive Master of Arts degree in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences - a degree that combines critical, creative and ethical thinking with budgeting, project management and how to develop a good comms plan. For the last 10 years, much of Sara's time and attention has been engaged by how the University can create greater opportunities for students, research and teaching excellence by working with the broader community. Believing that we are always 'stronger together', Sara has been keen to work in partnership with individuals and organisations who share the Faculty's commitment to excellence, access, equity and diversity in education. Sara is proud of her work with the 110 Scholarship Scheme, I-LEAP (the Indigenous Leadership Excellence and Achievement Program) the Melbourne Humanities Foundation Board, the Being Human Festival and the Melbourne Social Equity Institute, which supports interdisciplinary research and engagement for fairer societies.
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Projects
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Project Types
2
Research Grant
Scholarly Works
Displaying the 36 most recent scholarly works by Sara Wills.
Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Dwight Prize
Wyvern Medal
Credentials
Positions
Associate Professor
Historical And Philosophical Studies
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts
University of Melbourne