Flinders University 

For over 50 years, Flinders has been a centre of inspiring achievement: from our pioneering research and excellence in teaching to the positive impact we have in the communities we serve. As we enter an era of disruptive change and remarkable technological innovation, Flinders is well prepared for this unpredictable, exciting future. Our strong network of external links keeps our work dynamic, enabling us to connect across barriers to create enterprising solutions for the future, to make a difference by changing lives and, ultimately, the world. Flinders University has made a substantial and distinctive contribution to higher education in South Australia. It has also established a strong presence in the Northern Territory, particularly in the field of medicine.

With a focus on offering exceptional student experience, Flinders has invested in contemporary facilities including a new student hub and plaza at the main Bedford Park campus – an environmentally responsible building featuring the latest learning technologies, superfast wifi, an array of study places, and vibrant social spaces.

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Governance

Flinders University’s leadership strives to ensure that we work toward realising our vision and achieve our mission.

Our vision is to become internationally recognised as a world leader in research, an innovator in contemporary education, and the source of Australia’s most enterprising graduates. Our mission: to change lives and change the world.

Council is the governing body of the University.

The University’s commitment to making a positive difference to the world is captured in the strategic plan ‘The 2025 Agenda – Making a Difference’. It sets out four aspirations: to create a culture that supports students and staff to succeed, to foster research excellence that builds better communities, to inspire education that produces original thinkers, and to promote meaningful engagement that enhances our environment, economy and society.

Our annual reports provide a comprehensive record of our activities and performance.

Governance

The Chancellor

Mr John Hood
Chancellor of Flinders University

Mr John Hood FAICD was appointed to the role of Chancellor on 1 October 2023. He is a Flinders University alumnus (BEc 1984 GradDipAcc 1985) and chartered accountant. He has a long history of engagement with Flinders and has served two terms on the governing Council (2004-2010; 2017-present).

John is currently Director of his chartered accounting and advisory firm Humanee, which he founded in 2014 to provide strategic business, taxation and financial advice. He is also owner and Director of Intersect, a collaborative workspace for like-minded business members to work and network; and Chair of Gannon Lifestyle Communities and Sensei Productivity.

Previously, he worked with PriceWaterhouseCoopers for 11 years, before being appointed Managing Partner and CEO of accounting firm mhm, prior to its merger with Deloitte in 2010. He has also served in governance roles with Port Adelaide Football Club, Foodbank SA, Guildhouse, Seymour College Foundation, Sturt Lions Football Club and Cumberland United Women’s Football Club.  

In 2007, John was presented with a Flinders University Alumni Award for his significant contributions to the University and to business in South Australia.

Term: 1 October 2023-

Governing body

University Council

Council is the governing body of the University.

The primary responsibilities of the Council, as set out in the Flinders University Act, are:

  • appointing the Vice-Chancellor as chief executive officer of the University, and monitoring his or her performance

  • approving the mission and strategic direction of the University, as well as the annual budget and business plan

  • overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance

  • establishing policy and procedural principles consistent with legal requirements and community expectations

  • approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including overview of any entities controlled by the University (within the meaning of section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001 )

  • overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings

  • overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University

  • approving significant commercial activities of the University.

Membership

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Mr John Hood FAICD

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor Colin J Stirling (Ex-Officio)

  • Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Christopher Kee

  • Deputy Chancellor: Leanne Liddle

Members appointed

  • Matt Johnson

  • Lucinda Hewitson

  • Clare Mockler

  • Damien Walker

  • Brenda Wilson AM

  • Sharon Wilson

  • Kim Cheater (Chair, Audit and Risk Committee)

Members co-opted by Council

  • Abhishek Jain (Postgraduate member elected to July 2025, co-opted by the Council in 2025)

Members elected by the university community

  • Academic Staff: Associate Professor Amanda Muller (31 December 2026)

  • Professional Staff: Kate Walsh (31 December 2026)

  • Students (Postgraduate): -

  • Students (Undergraduate): Benjamin Grillett (31 December 2025)