Historian and international education expert Dr Anna Kent is breaking new ground as the inaugural recipient of the 2025 Margaret Cameron Residency—an honour launched by Deakin University Library to spotlight the power of historical research and storytelling.
The new residency, made possible by a bequest from the late Professor Margaret Cameron AM, Deakin’s first Chief Librarian and Pro Vice-Chancellor (1986–1990), aims to support projects that delve into the rich archives and special collections housed at Deakin.
“Margaret had a long, diverse and distinguished career in libraries,” said Deakin University Librarian Hero Macdonald. “She was a formidable leader and a passionate advocate for libraries and their communities. As the founding Chief Librarian, she established the library as the cornerstone of the university, so it feels very fitting to honour her legacy through this new research residency—especially in Deakin’s 50th year.”
Dr Kent brings a wealth of knowledge to the residency, with a career spanning scholarships management, education policy, and academic research. She currently holds a fellowship at the National Library of Australia and is a Senior Fellow with the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA). Her past roles include Executive Coordinator of the Centre for Contemporary Histories and Associate Teaching Fellow at Deakin.
The residency will allow Dr Kent to pursue a long-envisioned project examining the role of international education at Deakin and its predecessor institutions—work that she says has been on her mind for years.
“As an early-career researcher, the Margaret Cameron Residency gave me the chance to finally start a project I’ve been passionate about but never had the time or funding to undertake,” she said.
“International education and international students have shaped Australian communities for more than 70 years. It’s vital that we, as a nation, understand the importance of that contribution.”
During her residency, Dr Kent will immerse herself in the Deakin Archives, uncovering documents, letters and records that trace the university’s international education legacy. Her research will inform the creation of a finding aid for future scholars and may culminate in a public seminar or exhibition, in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Histories and Deakin Library’s Exhibitions and Public Programs team.
The project also arrives at a timely moment, as Deakin expands its global footprint with new campuses in India and Indonesia. Dr Kent’s work is expected to deepen the university’s understanding of its international education impact—past, present, and future.
The Margaret Cameron Residency is part of Deakin’s Gifts in Will program, through which 100 per cent of donations go toward projects aligned with the donor’s passions, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of researchers and communities.
