Anderson earned her Ph.D.in 2017 graduating from Macquarie University in Sydney. She also obtained a BA (1989) and master's degree (1999) from the Victoria University of Technology, who awarded her the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014. She joined Macquarie University as chief executive of sport and recreation in 2003. In 2007 she became CEO of Macquarie's student services, and in August 2011 became a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She was involved in legal action against the Macquarie University Postgraduate Representatives Association.
