Pioneer in Aboriginal education recognised
by Geraldine Hinter
In recognition of his commitment to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians, Prof Paul Hughes AM, FACE was made Emeritus Professor of the University at a UniSA graduation ceremony in August.
South Australia’s first Aboriginal Emeritus Professor Paul Hughes AM, FACE has always been actively involved in trying to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal people.
With his father and grandmother among the family members who were Aboriginal activists, it was only natural that Prof Hughes would follow in their steps to become an influential leader, educator, active supporter of Aboriginal education and development, and a consultant and researcher on Indigenous education issues worldwide.
A Yunkunyatjatjara/Narunnga/Kuarna Aboriginal Australian, Prof Hughes became one of the first Aboriginal teachers in South Australia. He was a pioneer in curriculum development for educating Aboriginal children and led discussions at both State and Federal government levels regarding the lack of participation in and quality of education for Aboriginal children.
Prof Hughes was a driving force behind the development of Indigenous education in the Colleges of Advanced Education and the University, and led the formation of UniSA’s David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research, one of the largest employers of Indigenous academics in the nation.
He retired in June this year following a distinguished career spanning some 43 years in Aboriginal education, including 10 years with UniSA and its predecessor institutions.
"Being awarded Emeritus Professor means retired with honour and being recognised in this way is a great thrill for me. I will still be connected to UniSA through research and other business activities," Prof Hughes said.
"I want to see many more people from Indigenous communities achieve a tertiary education and will continue to be an active supporter of Aboriginal development.
"Because I’m an educationalist, I’m driven by the need to increase educational outcomes for our people in schools and universities. We have to get more Aboriginal people into tertiary education and help them to achieve qualifications that will put them on an even playing field with other Australians."