Opening doors and changing lives: Karen Seary’s 32-year legacy
For more than three decades, Karen Seary has helped thousands of regional Australians who once believed university wasn't for them discover that higher education was within reach.
After 32 years championing access to higher education, the respected educator is retiring from CQUniversity, leaving behind a legacy measured not in awards, but in the thousands of lives changed through education.
"What I'm most proud of is being part of work that has opened doors for students who otherwise would not have had the opportunity of a university experience," Karen said.
"Seeing students come through STEPS, build confidence and succeed are the moments that stay with me. It's not just about programs – it's about people and their journeys."
Karen's journey with CQUniversity began unexpectedly. After a 16-year career with Education Queensland, she joined the University's STEPS enabling program in a casual role while on maternity leave, fully expecting to return to secondary teaching.
"I initially thought I'd fill the space to help out and, at some point, return to teaching," she said.
"But I found the work was deeply meaningful and the sense of purpose kept me here. I soon realised equity work isn't something you 'finish'. There's always more to do, more barriers to break down and more lives to help change."
She quickly found purpose in supporting students whose pathways to university were less traditional, recognising the profound impact education could have on individuals, families and communities. That commitment would guide the next three decades of her career.
Karen became a respected leader in access education nationally, serving as Chair of the National Association of Enabling Educators for eight years and receiving the 2020 WAHED Champion of Change Award.
She also played a key role in strengthening CQUniversity's School of Access Education, helping establish it as a school in its own right and ensuring more students from diverse backgrounds had genuine opportunities to succeed.
Yet she says the achievements she values most aren't her own.
"When I look back, it's not the personal milestones that stand out," she said.
"It's the collective progress we've made in widening participation and creating genuine pathways for students who may not have seen university as an option."
Throughout her career, Karen has witnessed thousands of students arrive at university uncertain of their abilities before building confidence, developing skills and achieving goals they once thought were out of reach.
For her, those individual journeys represent the true impact of access education.
While students have always been at the heart of her work, Karen says the people she worked alongside made the journey just as rewarding.
"Without question, the relationships," she said.
"I've worked with some incredible people who are talented, supportive, generous and just good human beings who bring heart to their work. That's what I'll carry with me the most."
Over three decades, Karen also witnessed the University's understanding of student equity evolve significantly.
What was once considered a specialised area of support is now recognised as central to creating meaningful educational opportunities for diverse learners.
She is proud to have been part of that shift, contributing to stronger enabling pathways, improved academic support and a culture that places student success at its centre.
Looking back, Karen says one lesson stands above all others.
"Relationships are everything," she said.
"You can have plans and strategies, but it's people who make things happen. I've also learned that kindness and respect go a long way."
While retirement will bring more time with family, travel, community projects and spoiling her first grandchild, Jax, Karen says she'll always remain passionate about the work she leaves behind.
"The work of student equity matters enormously, often in ways we don't immediately see," she said.
"If the pathways and support systems we've built continue to open doors and help students succeed, that's what matters."
After more than three decades of service, Karen leaves CQUniversity knowing that while her chapter is closing, the opportunities she helped create will continue changing lives for years to come.
