Gabrielle McMullen AM awarded honorary doctorate from Australian Catholic University

The University of Divinity community congratulates our Deputy Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen AM, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Australian Catholic University (ACU) for her contributions to Catholic education and church institutions.

One of the original members of the [ACU] Senate at the time of the establishment of ACU in 1991, Professor McMullen has held numerous positions in governance and leadership at ACU, including Rector of the Ballarat Campus and then Pro- and Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic) until 2011.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said Professor McMullen was a pioneering leader.

“In recognising Professor McMullen with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, we commend her for her commitment to academic integrity, equality of opportunity and community engagement through work with educational and religious organisations, particularly in the areas of health and aged care, bioethics, Catholic education and theology and social service ministries,” Professor Skrbis said.

In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Professor McMullen emphasised the significance of providing educational opportunities for those who are marginalised and less privileged, and said Catholic ministries and agencies were always in need of people “who wanted to build a better society”.

“To me being in ministry, it’s not about a career, it’s about being able to bring those values in your heart to what you’re doing,” Professor McMullen said.

Dr Graeme L Blackman (Chancellor, University of Divinity) and Professor James McLaren (Vice-Chancellor, University of Divinity) attended the ceremony along with family and friends of Professor McMullen.

Professor McLaren said “It was a privilege to attend the ceremony. Gabrielle’s commitment to helping others encounter and experience the benefits of accessing education is outstanding and the honorary doctorate is a fitting recognition of a long-standing career of service for others.”

Parts of this article are sourced from the media release issued on 8 May 2025 by Australian Catholic University.