Jean Carter to lead Avondale’s School of Education and Science

Dr Jean Carter has accepted the position of head of School of Education and Science at Avondale University.

She is currently serving as national director of Adventist Schools Australia based at the Australian Union Conference (AUC), a position she has held since January 2023.

“Jean has been a member of the Avondale University Council in recent years and has a good knowledge of our current renewal strategies and the impact of external factors within the higher education sector,” said Avondale vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson.

“We welcome Jean to Avondale and look forward to working with her to further strengthen the school’s academic endeavours and partnerships with our Seventh-day Adventist schools.”

Jacques Calais, associate national director of Adventist Schools Australia (ASA), said Dr Carter would be deeply missed by the AUC education team, describing her contribution as national director as being “nothing short of extraordinary”.

“She is a visionary, mentor and servant of Christ,” he said. “Her leadership has never been about titles or positions, but about people—about students, teachers, leaders, families and the communities who make up the living heart of Adventist education across Australia.

“Her words were grounded in wisdom, faith and deep care. She reminded us that education is not just about curriculum or compliance, but about shaping lives for eternity. Her passion has always been to ensure that our schools are places where young people encounter Jesus, experience belonging and flourish as whole people.”

Dr Carter has dedicated more than 40 years to education. She began her career leading small primary schools in Australia and New Zealand before moving into tertiary lecturing at Longburn College in New Zealand and Avondale College in Australia. She was later appointed to the South Pacific Division as a curriculum development officer and went on to serve as a primary and secondary principal in the Greater Sydney Conference.  Dr Carter has also held education director roles in North New South Wales, Greater Sydney and most recently at the AUC.