<p>In this episode of the <b>Broken Education Podcast</b>, host <b>Joel Di Trapani</b>, Co-Founder of Vygo, sits down with <b>Renee Leon</b>, Vice-Chancellor and President of <b>Charles Sturt University</b>, for a candid and deeply grounded conversation about equity, regional education, and what it truly means for universities to serve the public good.</p><p>Renee brings an extraordinary perspective to higher education leadership. A <b>first-in-family university graduate</b>, she has built a distinguished career across senior roles in <b>Commonwealth and state government</b>, including CEO of the Departments of Human Services and Employment. A <b>Menzies Foundation Law Scholar</b> with degrees from <b>ANU and Cambridge</b>, and a recipient of the <b>Public Service Medal</b>, Renee’s journey is a living example of the transformative power of education.</p><p>From the outset, Renee reframes the role of a regional university as something far bigger than student enrolments or rankings. Under her leadership, <b>Charles Sturt University</b> positions itself as an anchor institution for <b>regional Australia</b>—educating the nurses, teachers, vets, health professionals, and agricultural leaders who sustain regional communities and largely stay to serve them.</p><p>Joel and Renee explore how CSU’s mission extends beyond individual students to the <b>economic, social, and health outcomes of entire regions</b>. From agriculture and climate resilience to regional health equity, Renee explains how CSU deliberately focuses its research on problems that matter—locally grounded, yet nationally and globally relevant.</p>