Flinders University alumna and leader in tertiary education Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley died on 20 March 2020, following a battle with cancer.

The social policy graduate (Master of Social Administration, 1987) was one of the most influential people in Australia’s tertiary history including as chair of the landmark Bradley Review of higher education in 2008, which fuelled a substantial expansion of Australia’s university system.

A strong advocate for the power of education to transform lives, Professor Bradley rose to the heights of her profession from an early career as a high school teacher and became one of the most respected frontrunners in education in Australia.

Her accolades include both an Officer and a Companion of the Order of Australia, a Centenary Medal, South Australian of the Year in 2005 and she received the prestigious College Medal by the Australian College of Educators in 2011.

She was Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Australia from 1997 to 2007.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan praised Professor Bradley as a passionate advocate for increasing the number of people from disadvantaged backgrounds to go to university.

“Her legacy is evident through increased participation rates,” he said.

“We pay our respects to Professor Bradley and say thank you for her contribution to the nation.”

Emeritus Professor Bradley is survived by her husband, her children and grandchildren.