Deakin University
We've been a progressive university from day one. Year after year, advancements in technology, groundbreaking research outcomes and course delivery methods have put Deakin at the forefront of higher education. Our achievements as a university span five decades, starting in 1974 when we became the first university in Australia to specialise in distance education. Our campuses facilitate partnerships to deliver social, cultural and economic benefits. Headquartered in Geelong, we have campuses in central Geelong, Waurn Ponds, Melbourne and Warrnambool and vibrant online education. We are also establishing two International Branch Campuses in GIFT City, India and Bandung, Indonesia.
The following characteristics have defined the Deakin character throughout its history: a focus on regional Victoria and creating a university for the Geelong region; a commitment to research that will make a difference to the communities Deakin serves; a deep commitment to equity – to First Nations people, students from diverse backgrounds and mature age students; and, a long-standing commitment to being flexible, accessible and friendly.
Governance
Deakin University is governed in accordance with the Deakin University Act 2009, which defines the responsibilities of the Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Academic Board.
Deakin’s governing body is responsible for the general direction of the University and ensures that the appropriate plans are in place for Deakin to achieve its goals.
Our strategic plan sets out an optimistic future powered by ideas to enhance social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing. Deakin 2030: Ideas to Impact is the University’s plan for realising the best future for its communities.
The Chancellor
Ms Claire Higgins
Chancellor of Deakin
BComm, FCPA, FAICD
Claire Higgins is honoured to be Deakin University’s seventh, and first female, Chancellor, commencing office on 1 January 2026 as the University enters its second half-century.
Claire is passionate about the public purpose of Deakin University to deliver accessible, high-quality education and research to meet the needs of students and the community.
The parent of a Deakin graduate and a resident of the Bellarine Peninsula, Claire has a deep appreciation of the University’s role to meet students’ and community needs, both locally and globally. Claire is delighted to be leading the University Council to achieve the strategic plan Deakin 2030: Ideas to Impact. The Council is committed to realising the plan’s ambition to maximise, through balanced excellence in teaching and research, the social, cultural and economic impact Deakin delivers regionally, nationally and globally.
Claire is an experienced Board Chair and Director whose leadership style focuses on ethics, integrity and clarity of purpose. She has extensive management, commercial, health, safety, and governance experience, and her former Chair and Directorships include Chair Country Fire Authority (2007-2015), Director Vital Healthcare Management (2012-2019), Director Ambulance Victoria (2009-2014), Director Barwon Water (2007-2010), past Chair and Director Barwon Health (2000-2009) and Director Ryman Healthcare (2014-2024, Interim Chair 2022-2023).
Currently, Claire is Chair of the Boards of the health insurer GMHBA and of REI Superannuation and a non-executive Director of the education-focused Futurity Investment Group and the medical device start-up Margin Clear.
Claire places importance on good communication and the respectful and productive exchange of ideas to build shared commitment and to achieve success.
As Chancellor, Claire looks forward to sharing conversations and thoughts with staff and students across the University, and to congratulating scores of Deakin students as they stride the stage at a Graduation Ceremony.
Term: 1 January 2026-31 December 2030
Governing body
University Council
The primary responsibilities of the Council include:
appointing and monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor as Chief Executive Officer of Deakin
approving the mission and strategic direction of Deakin and its annual budget and business plan
overseeing and reviewing the management of Deakin and its performance
establishing policy and procedural principles for the operation of Deakin consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across Deakin
overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of Deakin
approving significant commercial activities and systems of control and accountability.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Ms Claire Higgins (31 December 2030)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Iain Martin (Ex-Officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Judy Currey (31 December 2026)
Members appointed by Government
Deputy Chancellor: Dr Lyn Roberts AO (31 December 2025)
Mr Nino Ficca (31 December 2026)
Anoushka Gungadin (31 December 2027)
Ryan Leemon (30 June 2028)
Georgina Williams (31 December 2027)
Members appointed by the Council
Dianne Angus (30 June 2027)
Carol Boyer-Spooner (31 December 2027)
Stephen Bubb (31 December 2026)
Richard Carr (31 December 2026)
L McDonald (31 December 2027)
Members elected by the university community
Staff: Deakin Distinguished Professor Catherine Bennett (31 December 2026)
Students: Paul Ting (31 December 2026)