St Andrew’s College is pleased to welcome Dr Sarah Hendriks as our new Director of Education. With wide-ranging academic interests spanning multiple disciplines, Sarah brings a keen enthusiasm for education in the multi-disciplinary collegiate context. She looks forward to fostering an environment where students are inspired to excel and to shaping the next chapter of academic excellence at St Andrew’s.
We sat down with Sarah to learn more about her background, vision for the role, and what she’s enjoying most about joining the St Andrew’s community.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you have studied, and what your teaching and research interests are?
I’m originally from Yackandandah, in north-east Victoria, but have spent the last 14 years studying and working in the UK and Europe. I attended the Australian National University for my undergraduate studies (Music and Classics) and completed graduate studies at the University of Oxford (Classics/Papyrology), University of Cambridge (Architectural History), and the University of Edinburgh (Architectural History). For the past five years, I’ve been a Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin with the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland.
What attracted you to the role of Director of Education at St Andrew’s College?
Having experienced college life in both Australia and the UK, I know first-hand how rewarding and enriching such an experience can be. Drew’s has a particularly strong education program, and I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing and future success.
Can you describe your role as Director of Education, and what you hope to achieve?
I’m responsible for overseeing the College’s educational programs and the strategic development of the College’s academic mission. I’m looking forward to working in an environment where both learning and teaching excellence thrive, and to supporting students to reach their potential.
Could you share a bit about your career path so far? What are some recent professional achievements or goals you’re proud of?
I’ve held research positions across the UK and Europe in several distinct disciplines (papyrology, architectural history, book history). I’ve also had a longstanding professional interest in education and have worked at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh to provide training and education opportunities for students beyond classroom learning.
For the last five years I’ve been working with the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland to digitally reconstruct and reimagine the Public Record Office of Ireland, which was destroyed in 1922. As part of this role, I established partnerships with libraries and archives across the world and this year curated a hybrid exhibition Collecting Ireland’s History – in collaboration with Bodleian Libraries Oxford, British Library, Cambridge University Library, National Library of Ireland, Royal Irish Academy, Library of Trinity College Dublin.
What excites you most about working in a college environment?
Colleges provide a unique experience and an enormous array of opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Students at this stage are forming their identities, discovering their passions, and starting to see how their learning connects to their future. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of that journey.
How would you describe your approach to university education?
My approach centers on creating an environment where academic excellence and personal growth are symbiotic; where diverse perspectives and learning styles are valued, and where students feel empowered to take intellectual risks and expand their world view. A college education can give you skills not only for a career, but for life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a very keen tennis player, so I try to spend as much time on court as possible. It’s also nice to be closer to the family farm and I’m hoping to spend more time there – looking after our rare-breed heritage chickens and boer goats.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m reading Daphne du Maurier’s, House on the Strand. I’m very much enjoying Sara on Netflix – it’s set in Naples, where I used to live. I’m listening to the latest Tortoise Investigates ‘The Lab Detective’ about the wrongful conviction of Kathleen Folbigg.
What advice would you offer to St Andrew’s students?
Your college years can be incredibly formative – follow your passions and take every opportunity – you never know what will come from them.