Professor Jacqueline Epps is Dean and Head of the School of Rural Medicine at Charles Sturt University. She is an experienced clinician, medical educator and academic leader with extensive expertise in rural medicine, rural medical education and rural workforce development.

Born and raised in Armidale, NSW, Professor Epps completed her medical degree at the University of New South Wales and was a NSW Rural Doctors Network Resident Medical Officer Cadet, undertaking her early postgraduate training at Orange Base Hospital. She completed her RACGP Rural Stream training in Central Western NSW before obtaining Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma of Child Health with High Commendation.

Professor Epps has practised exclusively in rural Australia throughout her career, working in primary and hospital based (Visiting Medical Officer) care in Central West NSW and New England. Prior to joining Charles Sturt University, she held a range of academic and leadership roles within the School of Rural Medicine at the University of New England (UNE) and in the Joint Medical Program (JMP – UNE and the University of Newcastle) where she served since 2010. During her time at UNE, she completed a PhD focused on diabetes and vascular biology.

A passionate advocate for high-quality rural medical education, Professor Epps has extensive experience in curriculum design, innovative teaching methodologies and student support. She has held numerous UNE leadership appointments including Course Coordinator, Admissions Academic Lead, Curriculum Lead, Clinical Practice Lead and JMP Phase Chair, and has received several teaching awards. Beyond medical education, Professor Epps has held leadership roles in university governance, workplace culture initiatives and academic quality assurance. She is Associate Editor of the Australian Journal of Primary Health and was a founding member of the New England Primary Care Research Network Advisory Committee.

Professor Epps contributes to numerous professional organisations and networks, including Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand and the Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators. She is a full member of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases, Public Health Association of Australia, Academy of Clinical Educators, Australasian Association for Academic Primary Care, NSW Rural Doctors Network, National Q Fever Interest Group (QFIG) Steering / Core Committee, One Health Regional Partnership, Jacqui remains committed to strengthening rural - health, workforce, research and medical education across Australia.