A MAN who was the first person of Indigenous heritage to graduate with a PhD at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences has joined an exclusive Kelso High School club.
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Reuben Bolt, who was also the first person in his family to complete the Higher School Certificate, is the latest recipient of the Kelso High Decade Award.
The award recognises a student who completed their secondary education at Kelso High more than 10 years ago and has gone on to outstanding success or has excelled in their chosen field.
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Previous winners include a genetic researcher, actress, international architect, film-maker and, last year, a doctor in inner-west Sydney with an extensive CV.
Mr Bolt started at Kelso High in 1989 and finished his HSC in 1994.
After travelling nationally and internationally for four years with a traditional Aboriginal dance group, he started a Diploma of Health Science at Sydney University in 1998.
He graduated from Sydney University in 2001, completing his Bachelor of Health Science with Honours, and completed a Master of Media Arts and Production at the University of Technology in Sydney from 2002 to 2004.
In 2009, he became the first person of Indigenous heritage to graduate with a PhD at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences.
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From 2003 to 2012, Mr Bolt convened more than 50 university courses across six higher education institutions in the Sydney region.
He became the director of the University of NSW Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs in 2016, having lectured and co-ordinated there since 2010.
His research background traverses Indigenous studies, health science, microsociology, business administration, media arts and identity studies.
Mr Bolt has also been made a director of three boards: the Brien Holden Vision Institute (a non-profit, non-governmental organisation focused on eye care research); the Strehlow Research Centre (a museum and cultural centre located in Alice Springs); and the Bridging the Gap Foundation (which focuses on health, education and employment opportunities and pathways for young Indigenous people).
In recognition of his academic contributions to the University of NSW, he was made an honorary associate professor.
Mr Bolt joined Charles Darwin University in Darwin in 2020 as the pro vice-chancellor indigenous leadership.
He currently oversees the Indigenous Knowledge Centre at CDU, as well as engagement with CDU colleges, community and other stakeholders.
This year he was promoted to deputy vice-chancellor first nations leadership.
