In order to provide a framework whereby EQUALS International (Aust) Pty Ltd (EQUALS) is provided with independent academic advice, EQUALS’ Board of Directors delegates the academic governance of the Institute to the Academic Board. The Academic Board is comprised of independent academic staff from other higher education providers, industry experts and members of EQUALS’ academic staff. The Academic Board is chaired by one of its independent members.
The Academic Board operates independently of the ownership and management of EQUALS so as to ensure sound academic leadership and integrity. The Academic Board has responsibility for academic policy making, academic administration and oversight of scholarship, learning and teaching. This ensures that the Academic Board maintains appropriate control over the administration of the curriculum to allow educational objectives to be achieved.
The Academic Board
Professor Peter Majewski
Independent Chair
Peter Majewski is currently Research Professor and Research Leader in the Future Industries Institute of the University of South Australia (UniSA). He has a Degree in Geology and a PhD in Mineralogy from the Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany. After being Senior Scientist and later Deputy Department Head at the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research, Germany, between 1989 and 2002, he started at the University of South Australia in 2003 where he held various positions including Dean Research Education, Associate Head of School in Research, and Head of School of Engineering. In 2000 to 2001, he was member of the Scientific Council of the Max-Planck-Society, member and Deputy Chair of UniSA’s Academic Board between 2014 and 2016, and invited member of the Academic Board of the University College London, Australia, between 2015 and 2017. Peter is also member of the Managing Committee of the Australian Nanotechnology Network and currently Vice President of the Asian Nano Forum. Peter has a broad research interest in the area of materials science and engineering with over 180 journal publications, about 4200 citations, and an h-index of 34. While currently performing research on materials for thermal energy storage he is also Chair and Chief Engineer of Solar Car Project of the Australian Technology Network including five Australian universities to create a solar car for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2019.
Vahid Chittleborough
Chief Quality & Risk Officer
Vahid is an accomplished Executive and Non-Executive Director who brings a unique blend of legal expertise and strategic insight. With over two decades of experience as a solicitor and barrister specialising in dispute resolution and corporate litigation, Vahid has a deep understanding of navigating complex regulations and legal frameworks. What distinguishes Vahid is a dedication to fostering innovation and growth, particularly within the education, health, and human services sectors. He is passionate about solving complex problems and building meaningful relationships that drive progress and transformation. Vahid thrives in public speaking and stakeholder engagement, believing strongly in the power of collaboration to effect real change.
Professor Hugh Grantham
Independent Member
Hugh was educated at the Medical School London and subsequently moved to Australia in 1983. He started in general practice in Mildura and was recruited to Adelaide to lead the clinical development of the Ambulance Service in 1992. Hugh was Medical Director of the South Australian Ambulance Service until 2011 and inaugural Professor of Paramedics at Flinders University until 2019.
Engaged in postgraduate medical emergency education since 1990, Hugh has developed a range of education programs in paramedics, including postgraduate paramedic courses. He is currently the Senior Educator for the National Advanced Life Support program run by the Australian Resuscitation Council and teaches for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the College of Surgeons, the College of Sports Physicians. He is also the State Chair of the Australian Resuscitation Council and National Facilitator for the basic life-support committee of the National Council. His educational interests include emergency medicine and interdisciplinary education.
Further, Hugh holds the Humanitarian Services Medal for leading overseas humanitarian aid teams in disasters and the Ambulance Service Medal for development of the Ambulance Service.
Dr Chris Riley
Independent Member
Chris Riley has a solid commercial background in management, financial accounting and administration. He has worked for more than 25 years in government, corporate and community organisations, and 18 years in academic, research and consulting positions. He currently lectures in business and management subjects, primarily with international students, and has many years of work applied learning experience in the facilitation of action learning and action research projects.
Dr Maboh Nkwati
Independent Member
Maboh Nkwati is the Head of Nursing and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University Institute of Buea Cameroon. Maboh is a 2012 Fellow of the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (Philadelphia USA). He has 13 years experience in health professions education and academic governance and is passionate about improving individual and community health through education and has been active in the development of health professions education in Cameroon. In this context he has led curriculum development in a wide range of health and nursing subject areas. His primary research interest is in the area of health professions education and improving healthcare, active learning and elderly care. This has led to publications in academic journals that include articles on innovative approaches to curriculum development, elderly care, student-led community health improvement projects, and the evolution of professional education.. Maboh is currently serving as Co-chair of a World Diabetes Federation funded project to improve rural diabetes management using a synergy of student nurses and primary care nurses. He is also introducing the concept of interdisciplinary clinical simulation in health professions education in Cameroon at Biaka University Institute of Buea. Maboh is a member of multiple professional associations in Cameroon and internationally. He is also the founder of the Health Research Foundation that provides health research consultancy and training services in Cameroon.
Maboh’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Nursing Science and Masters in Nursing Education from the University of Buea Cameroon, and a PhD from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom.
Bianca Fecycz
Independent Industry Expert
Bianca is an experienced clinician with qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, Mediation, Conciliation and Training. She has worked in a range of state government clinical and high-level operational and strategically orientated managerial roles. Specifically, she played a key change management role in transitioning staff from the old Royal Adelaide site to its current and improved facility, and has also spent many years in statutory based public sector roles with a specialist focus in high level complex service design, complex clinical practice, supervision and mentor support, change management, conciliation, investigative practice, complaint management and training delivery. Bianca also has had her own independent mediation and training consultancy for many years. In this capacity she has specialised in general business mediation, training in anti-discrimination law and bullying, change management, conflict resolution and effective complaint management.
Bianca has many and varied links within South Australia’s private and public sectors and has just commenced a role with ACH group as Head of their Customer Feedback and Complaints. She is passionate about hearing the customer and representative voice, on a client centred practice approach, timely, professional and consistent complaint management and ensuring feedback is captured, understood and utilised to drive service innovation strategies and effective, appropriate, and compliant delivery of services.
Maizabeen Jamal
Independent Member
As an academic lecturer, Maizabeen (Maizy)’s role extends beyond the confines of the classroom to shape the future of the healthcare professionals. With an extensive background in intensive nursing and entrepreneurial in disability services, she brings a rich tapestry of real-world experiences to her teaching. She is a dynamic individual with a diverse background spanning in healthcare, business and social services. With a solid foundation in intensive care nursing, she understands the importance of critical care and compassion in saving lives. Her experiences in intensive care instilled in her deep sense of empathy and resilience, shaping her approach to both personal and professional endeavours. She is committed to fostering an educational environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, fosters inclusivity, and prepares students to thrive in the complex healthcare system.
Maizabeen pursued an MBA, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to broaden her horizons, allowing her to merge her clinical expertise with business acumen. This fusion of disciplines equips her with unique perspectives, allowing her to navigate complex challenges with strategic insight and innovative solutions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Maizabeen has volunteered overseas as a cardio thoracic ICU nurse, lending her skills and expertise to communities in need. Whether providing nursing assistance in under privileged regions, or being part for sustainable development, she remains committed to making a positive impact on a global scale.
Melissa Slattery
Academic Director
Melissa Slattery is the Academic Director at EQUALS International. Melissa is a proud EQUALS graduate, and qualified Critical Care Registered Nurse. Her passion for quality training delivery, diverse industry partnerships and lifelong learning resonate within her role at EQUALS. Melissa is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of South Australia, exploring the qualities, behaviours and attributes required by future Nurse Disciplinary Leads.
Mariē Chittleborough
Chief Executive Officer
Mariē has over 20 years experience in the independent education and training sector, the last 12 in senior leadership roles. She has developed substantial expertise and skills in human resource management, operations management and in the oversight of organisational risk and compliance requirements.
Prior to returning to Australia in 2011, Mariē held a consultancy role with the Cayman Islands Government, where she was responsible for the design and delivery of education projects for indigenous communities in the British Virgin Islands and Caribbean nations. Mariē has also held roles in the banking and finance sector (Macquarie Bank); local government (South Australia) and in commercial property management (Coles Myer Group).
Prerna Kurup
Alumni Representative
Prerna Kurup is a committed and experienced professional with a strong foundation in human services and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Human Services from EQUALS International and a Bachelor of Architectural Design from the University of Adelaide. In her current role with Youth and Disability Services in Adelaide, Prerna applies her skills to support vulnerable populations.
Her leadership roles include serving as the Deputy Chair of the EQUALS Student Representative Committee (SRC), a student representative on the EQUALS Learning and Teaching Committee and the Academic Board, and as the Environmental Officer for the University of Adelaide SRC. Prerna is highly regarded for her contributions to student experience and well-being, highlighted by her presentation on mental health at the 2023 EQUALS Symposium and her development of resources for international students. Her dedication to empowering others, especially through strategic planning, collaboration, and empathetic leadership, underscores her valuable role in advancing human services.