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Dr Edwina Murphy appointed as new Deputy Dean and Director of Research

The Australian College of Theology (ACT), Australia’s largest theological education provider, is delighted to announce that Dr Edwina Murphy has been appointed as the new Deputy Dean and Director of Research.

“Dr Murphy is a highly accomplished researcher as an author, editor, supervisor, examiner, invited lecturer and award winner” said Professor Roger Lewis, Chair of the ACT Board of Directors. “Yet beyond these personal achievements, Dr Murphy’s has the ability to engage others, to encourage and equip students and faculty, and to celebrate their success. This mindset promises to further strengthen ACT research culture,” Prof Lewis said.

“I am so glad to see Edwina join the ACT team”, said Dr Kathryn Harden-Thew, a member of the Board of Directors. “Her clear passion for her own research is matched by her desire to see others succeed in their own areas of research excellence. Edwina has a well-established track record of leading by example as well as mentoring and encouraging others to further develop their academic strengths,” she said.

Dr Murphy is currently Director of Research and Senior Lecturer in Christian Thought and History at Morling College, an affiliated college of the ACT. She has previously served as Associate Pastor at Macquarie Baptist Church. Dr Murphy received her PhD from Macquarie University, a BMin and MTh from the ACT, and a BEc from the University of Sydney.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support and partner with colleagues across the ACT in this way,” said Dr Murphy. “My hope is that we spur one another on to love and good works of research and scholarship, serving the church and honouring God in our contribution to the academy,” she said.

The Chair of the ACT Academic Board, Dr Brian Harris, noted that “not only is Edwina an outstanding scholar and researcher who understands the ACT well, but she is also a team player, deeply committed to helping others to flourish in their academic endeavours. This is an excellent appointment.”

Dr Murphy’s appointment arises from the retirement of Rev Dr Graeme Chatfield, Associate Dean and Director of Research at the end of 2021. She will take up the role on 1 February 2022. The ACT Dean and CEO, Prof James Dalziel, commented, “I’m really looking forward to working with Edwina. Her combination of outstanding research, energy and pastoral concern are ideal for this position. I invite all the ACT community to join with me in praying that God would bless her and give her wisdom in this role.”

Edwina is married to Peter Murphy. They attend Blakehurst Baptist Church and have two teenage children.

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