Whitley College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Nuam Hatzaw as Lecturer in Practical Theology, commencing in January 2027.
Dr Hatzaw is a Zomi theologian whose research brings together practical theology, migration studies and World Christianity. She brings a wealth of experience in theological education and research, with particular expertise in migration and diaspora studies, missiology, and feminist and contextual theologies.
Dr Hatzaw will already be a familiar face to many in the Whitley community, having spent three weeks with us as a Visiting Scholar in May 2026. We are thrilled to welcome her back as a permanent member of our academic team.
Bringing a wealth of experience to Whitley
Dr Hatzaw has previously served as Lecturer in Asian Christianity for Church Mission Society and as Research Development Fellow at the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the University of Edinburgh.
Her doctoral research at the University of Edinburgh explored the lived experiences of 1.5 generation migrant Zomi women, developing a theology of in-betweenness that speaks to questions of identity and belonging within migrant and diaspora communities. She also serves as a mentor and consultant for the Chin State Academic Research Network.
Whitley’s Acting Principal, Associate Professor Sean Winter, welcomed the appointment:
“Nuam will bring to the Whitley Faculty a breadth and depth of experience and skills that will strengthen our commitments to theological education shaped by the contextual realities of the Asia-Pacific region. As a teacher, she is committed to supporting students from a range of cultural and education backgrounds. Her research addresses many of the fundamental questions facing our churches and our society in Australia. This is an important appointment not just for Whitley and the University of Divinity to which we belong, but also for the churches of the Baptist Union of Victoria as they seek to respond to God’s call to flourish on mission.”
Looking forward to joining the Whitley community
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Hatzaw shared her enthusiasm for joining Whitley and contributing to its teaching, research and community life.
“I am excited to be joining Whitley College – an institution firmly rooted in Baptist heritage while also engaged, open-minded, and responsive to contemporary questions and issues. Its reputation for excellent theological education combined with genuine commitment to the personal and spiritual formation of students aligns well with my own values and sense of calling. My research and teaching examine questions of identity and belonging, and I can’t imagine a better place to learn and grow than Whitley College and Melbourne’s diverse and vibrant context. I look forward to contributing to the life of the College and wider Baptist community.”
Dr Hatzaw is expected to commence her role in January 2027, with visa arrangements currently underway to support her relocation to Australia.
We warmly congratulate Nuam on her appointment and look forward to the contribution she will make to Whitley’s academic life, our students and the wider Baptist community.
We invite the Whitley community to keep Nuam and Sam in their prayers as they prepare for this exciting new chapter.