Laura Baker, a passionate advocate for regional and rural Victoria with deep Goulburn Valley ties, has been appointed Head of Campus at La Trobe University Shepparton.
Raised in Euroa and now living, working and volunteering across the region, Laura brings more than a decade of senior leadership spanning education, government and corporate sectors.
Currently Executive Director Student Experience at GOTAFE, Laura has led local partnerships, lifted student retention and engagement and delivered community-focused initiatives that align closely with the Shepparton campus and northern Victoria.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell welcomed the appointment.
"Laura Baker is an accomplished regional leader whose deep Goulburn Valley connections, partnership-building expertise and student-first approach make her ideally placed to lead our Shepparton campus," Professor Farrell said.
"Laura's experience spanning TAFE, local government and industry will help the University strengthen pathways, expand engagement and deliver outstanding student outcomes across northern Victoria."
Laura's appointment also builds on La Trobe's strong partnership with GOTAFE, including joint Open Day events and collaboration through the Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership to strengthen pathways and participation across northern Victoria.
Laura said she was delighted to lead La Trobe's Shepparton campus.
"It's a privilege to take on this role in a community I know and love. I'm passionate about expanding access to higher education close to home," Laura Baker, incoming Shepparton Head of Campus, said.
"I look forward to working with GOTAFE, local schools, industry and community partners to build clear pathways, create an outstanding student experience on campus and deliver outcomes that reflect the region's aspirations.
"I am particularly excited about the innovation collaboration opportunities within La Trobe and Shepparton."
Laura will commence the role on Monday, 2 February 2026.
Outgoing Shepparton Head of Campus Elizabeth Capp stepped down from the role on 19 December.
Professor Farrell thanked Elizabeth for her exemplary leadership and dedication as Head of Campus over the past seven years.
"Elizabeth's commitment to increasing higher education access and participation in Shepparton has inspired colleagues and made a lasting impact on our regional communities," Professor Farrell said.
"We are deeply grateful for her contribution and wish Elizabeth all the best in her next chapter."
About Laura Baker
Laura Baker is currently Executive Director Student Experience at GOTAFE (2024-present), where she has advanced the Student Experience Framework and strengthened local partnerships. Laura previously served as Director, Future Students and Partnerships (2022-24) in Victorian vocational education; Head of Smart City and Innovation at the City of Casey (2019-22), where she led the development of an award-winning Living Lab and community innovation program; and held innovation roles at National Australia Bank (2014-18).
In the Goulburn Valley, Laura has contributed to the Goulburn Murray Tertiary Education Partnership - connecting GOTAFE, La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne - focused on articulation pathways, joint programs and research aligned to regional needs. Laura was President of the Euroa Community Action Group (2021-2025).
