Deakin Library announces recipient of 2025 Margaret Cameron Residency in honour of first Chief Librarian

For historian and international education expert Dr Anna Kent, telling other people’s stories has shaped her career. But now Anna herself is making history as the recipient of the 2025 Margaret Cameron Residency, the first time the honour has been awarded by Deakin Library.

Named for Professor Margaret Cameron AM, Deakin’s first Chief Librarian and Pro Vice-Chancellor from 1986-1990, and created from her generous bequest, the residency supports projects that uncover and share the rich histories held within Deakin University Archives and Deakin Library’s Special Collections.

‘Margaret had a long, diverse and distinguished career in libraries, and is widely regarded as one of the true titans of our profession. She was known as a formidable leader, and a passionate and effective advocate for libraries and their communities,’ said Deakin University Librarian Hero Macdonald.

‘As the founding Chief Librarian at Deakin, Margaret played a pivotal role in establishing Deakin Library as the cornerstone of the university, and so it feels very fitting to be able to honour Margaret through the establishment of the Library’s new research residency program in Deakin’s 50th year, made possible by her generous bequest.’

The University Archives and Library collections document over a century of history, research and collecting at Deakin, along with predecessor institutions and the regions in which the University has operated.

Bringing deep expertise to the residency, Anna has worked in scholarships management, higher education policy, and research in her roles as Executive Coordinator of the Centre for Contemporary Histories and Associate Teaching Fellow at Deakin University, and current Fellow at the National Library of Australia, as well as through her professional credential as Senior Fellow of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA).

‘As an early career researcher who is keen to find any opportunity to conduct research – the Margaret Cameron Residency offered me an opportunity to kick start a project that I have been thinking about over the last few years – but never had the time or funds to pursue,” said Dr Kent.

‘International education, and international students, have shaped Australian communities for more than 70 years – and I think it is really important that Australian communities and institutions have a strong understanding of the roles they play in that.’

During the residency, Anna will work in situ with Deakin's Archives to explore the history of international education at Deakin and its predecessor institutions. Drawing on archival documents, letters and records held in the University Archives, Anna will showcase Deakin’s role in shaping Australia’s international education landscape.

The project will culminate in the creation of a finding aid to support future researchers and may include a public seminar in partnership with the Centre for Contemporary Histories and a potential exhibition led by Deakin Library’s Exhibitions and Public Programs.

This research comes at a pivotal moment for the University, as Deakin expands its global presence with new campuses in India and Indonesia. Anna’s work will support a deeper understanding of the university’s international education legacy and lay the groundwork for future scholarships in this vital area.

Gift in Will donations made through Deakin, including the Margaret Cameron Residency, leave lasting legacies and make a positive impact on causes donors have been passionate about during their lifetime. One hundred per cent of donations are invested in the specific fund or area chosen, ensuring gifts go further to change more lives and communities.

Find out more about the Margaret Cameron Residency and Gifts in Will.