Historian, writer, university educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of higher education experience. Holds a PhD in History from UNSW, with doctoral research examining the history and politics of athletics and the ideology of amateurism. Known for a strong international reputation in sports history—especially athletics, the Olympic Movement, and sports heritage—and for turning complex ideas into clear, evidence-based learning experiences through rigorous research and editorial excellence.

Dr David A. Holmes

Historian, writer, university educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of higher education experience. Holds a PhD in History from UNSW, with doctoral research examining the history and politics of athletics and the ideology of amateurism. Known for a strong international reputation in sports history—especially athletics, the Olympic Movement, and sports heritage—and for turning complex ideas into clear, evidence-based learning experiences through rigorous research and editorial excellence.

Available to hire

Historian, writer, university educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of higher education experience. Holds a PhD in History from UNSW, with doctoral research examining the history and politics of athletics and the ideology of amateurism.

Known for a strong international reputation in sports history—especially athletics, the Olympic Movement, and sports heritage—and for turning complex ideas into clear, evidence-based learning experiences through rigorous research and editorial excellence.

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Work Experience

Instructional Designer / Course Developer at Australian Higher Education Network (AHEN)
November 1, 2025 - June 1, 2026
Designed and developed an online university course, Academic Writing for Students of Science, for approximately 2,000 students. Created structured learning materials including video scripts, lesson content, readings, quizzes, reflective activities, and assessment resources. Developed five completed modules (about 150 pages), including 30 instructional videos and supporting resources. Applied learner-centred instructional design principles aligned to university-level academic literacy expectations.
Lecturer / Tutor at University of Sydney (Faculty of Education)
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Delivered teaching in the history and politics of sport and physical education. Developed educational resources and supported students through lectures, tutorials, and assessment feedback.
Adjunct Professor and Principal Lecturer at Boston University (Sydney Campus)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2019
Designed and delivered undergraduate learning experiences in Australian history, politics, and culture for international student cohorts. Managed three teaching cohorts annually with approximately 170 students per cohort. Developed lectures, tutorials, and assessments, adapting teaching approaches to diverse student backgrounds and learning needs.
Part-time Lecturer at University of New South Wales (Faculty of Law)
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2017
Developed and delivered university lectures and tutorials on the history and politics of sport. Created course materials and assessment activities supporting critical analysis, research, and academic writing for undergraduate students.
Lecturer / Tutor at Charles Sturt University (Faculty of Education)
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Delivered teaching in the history and politics of sport and physical education. Developed educational resources and supported students through lectures, tutorials, and assessment feedback.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (History) at University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Bachelor of Arts Honours (History) at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1996
Bachelor of Arts (Double Major: History / English Literature) at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services