With over 25 years of leadership experience at universities in Australia and the United Kingdom, Professor Hope recognises the essential contributions that regional universities make in providing access to higher education for diverse communities and believes these institutions have the potential to drive community development and economic growth, empowering students and enhancing the regions they serve.

Professor Hope holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Durham University, along with postgraduate degrees in social policy, anthropology, and education. An Accredited Fellow of the United Kingdom Higher Education Academy since 2008, he is also a qualified secondary school teacher with experience teaching in sixth form institutions in the UK. As a researcher, he has developed an international profile in two main areas: the critical analysis of school surveillance technologies and the exploration of young people's hazardous online behaviours.

Throughout his career, Professor Hope has focused on advancing academic program development, fostering supportive research environments, and championing equity and inclusion within educational settings. He is passionate about cultivating leadership, building high-performing teams, and creating a culture that emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.