Dr. Eric Meadows appointed as Director in Australia

Dr. Eric Meadows, a prominent figure in Australian higher education and innovator in international education, has been appointed as Director of Arcadia University Melbourne Center and Australian Programs.

Dr. Meadows brings to The College more than 40 years of significant and broad based administrative, managerial and teaching experience in Australian higher education and in the field of international education in particular. Eric began his professional career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and worked with the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv, where he was Deputy Head of Mission.   Eric then moved from his diplomatic service into the arena of international education and served as Deputy Head of the UNESCO Secretariat in the Department of Education in Australia.

Eric followed his time at the Department of Education with a succession of ever increasing senior administrative roles at a number of Australia's leading universities.  Following 10 years of service as Director of the International Office and Director of External Relations at the University of Wollongong, Eric moved to the University of Melbourne where he served as Deputy Principal (International Programs), running not only the University's international relations but also its overseas student recruitment.  He became Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Deakin University in 2002. Following his PVC appointment, Eric became a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Arts at Deakin University.

Most recently, Eric defended his Ph.D. at Deakin University.  His thesis title was “A Diplomatic History of Australia's Relations with India, 1944-1964.” He has published in the field of diplomatic history as well as international education, in particular, writing a history of Australia's educational relations overseas.

Eric's vast grasp of Australian higher education, the issues and challenges of international education and the study abroad community, along with his enormous enthusiasm for Australia, its peoples and its place in the world will serve Eric and The College well as together we envision exciting next steps for our programs in Australia.

Eric’s appointment coincides with the final build out of Arcadia University’s new premises in Melbourne. The Center is now conveniently located in the St. Kilda suburb of Melbourne; about a 20-minute commute from the University of Melbourne and about 15 from the Victorian College of the Arts and Music.