RMIT was founded in 1887 on the unceded lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation.
As a collective and as individuals, the University is committed to respectful ways of working and understanding that acknowledge the experiences, history and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The RMIT Community actively strengthens relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all Australians and the communities in which RMIT operates.
Under the guidance of Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Gary Thomas, the Office of Indigenous Education, Research and Engagement, leads the University’s Indigenous policy, strategy and engagement with partnerships, and provides insight and directions in education, innovation and research, employment and Community engagement.
Professor Gary Thomas is a Yui and Australian South Sea Islander man from North Queensland. He is the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Education, Research and Engagement at RMIT University.
Professor Thomas has worked at the University of Southern Queensland, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Queensland University of Technology, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and the University of the Sunshine Coast. He has held academic, professional and senior executive roles.
He has contributed to national and international Indigenous education agendas as an office bearer within the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium and the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium. He currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board to the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education.
In 2016, Professor Thomas became the first Indigenous Australian to be awarded Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).