The former NSW education minister, Adrian Piccoli, will deliver guest lectures in public policy and education as part of a new role as honorary professor at the University of NSW.
Mr Piccoli, who was education minister for six years but was replaced in a cabinet reshuffle in January, will also work on a range of programs in the School of Education, including the outreach program ASPIRE, which works with students across NSW to access tertiary studies.
In a statement, the university said Mr Piccoli's "advocacy for quality teaching, needs-based funding for schools and improving the performance of rural and remote students see him regarded as one of the best education ministers in Australia".
UNSW's vice-chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said Mr Piccoli had shown great commitment to public education in his political life.
"Adrian Piccoli has been especially committed to the needs of regional NSW, with a strong focus on improving literacy and numeracy in rural and remote communities. His expertise fits perfectly with the focus of our UNSW 2025 Strategy on educational excellence and social engagement," he said.
"His contribution will be of great value in our efforts to provide the highest quality education, accessible to all parts of society."
Mr Piccoli will not be paid for his work at the university and he will remain in Parliament as the member for Murray.
UNSW's School of Education has also been working closely with schools in rural NSW to increase teacher appointments.
Working in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, the university is aiming to increase the number of education students who complete their professional experience placements in rural areas, in the hope that they will want to work there.
In another initiative, the UNSW has been invited into a partnership by the Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgett.
The university said Mr Piccoli has a long association with the Walgett community and has a strong commitment to improved outcomes in remote communities.
"I am committed to improving the outcomes for students right across NSW and Australia so this is a great opportunity to continue making a contribution to education in conjunction with one of the finest universities in the country," Mr Piccoli said.
