Queensland University of Technology
QUT is a highly successful Australian university with an applied emphasis in courses and research. Though based in Brisbane, Queensland, QUT has a global outlook. With over 50,000 students, including 8,000 from overseas, and an annual budget of more than $930 million, QUT is positioned to grow and develop as one of Australia’s leading universities. QUT has two Brisbane campuses, at Gardens Point in the CBD and at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane’s inner-north.
QUT is well known as ‘the university for the real world’ because of its close links with industry and its relevant teaching and applied research. Industry representatives and professionals contribute to course development, adding a practical perspective to theoretical education. QUT has a 160 year history stretching back to the establishment of the Brisbane School of Arts in 1849. Over the years, QUT has grown and changed, and its predecessor institutions include the Central Technical College, the Brisbane Kindergarten Training College, and Brisbane College of Advanced Education, and Queensland Institute of Technology. In 1989, QUT attained university status and it amalgamated with BCAE from 1990.
Governance
We value good corporate governance, and seek to adopt best practice to ensure that QUT is at the forefront of learning and is a highly desired destination for researchers and professionals. Council is responsible for the overall governance and management of the University and manages and controls the University affairs.
The Chancellor
Ms Ann Sherry AO
Chancellor of QUT
Ann Sherry AO is one of Australia's leading business executives with a career that spans Government, Banking and Cruise Tourism. Chancellor of QUT since August 2022, Ms Sherry is a visionary leader with a life-long commitment to empowering others and creating lasting social change. She is an active philanthropist with a passion for improving opportunities and removing barriers for women in STEM and sport, and supporting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Ms Sherry is an Adviser, the former Chairman and was Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia for a decade, where she transformed the cruise industry during a particularly tumultuous time. Carnival Australia is the largest cruise ship operator in the Australia/Pacific region. Ms Sherry has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, majoring in Economics and Politics, and a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations from Queensland University of Technology.
Widely recognised for her eminent service to business, Ann has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, Macquarie University and the University of New South Wales. Beginning her working life as a Radiographer, Ms Sherry became First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra before moving to the banking sector initially in HR roles, then in CEO roles with Westpac NZ and the Bank of Melbourne.
The Australian Government awarded Ms Sherry the Centenary Medal in 2001 and in 2004 she was awarded an Order of Australia. In 2015 Ms Sherry was named as the overall winner of the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Award.
Governing body
University Council
QUT Council is established by the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998 (QUT Act) as the university’s governing body to ensure the proper and effective management and operation of the university. QUT Council's composition, membership, powers and responsibilities are governed by the QUT Act.
QUT Council members include:
professionals and representatives from higher education, government, commerce, industry and alumni
elected QUT staff members and students
the Chancellor, our chief executive officer, the Vice-Chancellor and President, and the Chair of University Academic Board.
QUT Council members serve a four year term, except for student council members who serve a two year term. There are 15 members on QUT Council in official, elected and appointed positions. The term of office for Chancellor is usually five years.
QUT Council is accountable for the corporate governance of QUT, having oversight of QUT's:
direction
performance targets
financial viability and sustainability
corporate culture, and
identifying and mitigating risks.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: Ms Ann Sherry AO
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Margaret Sheil AO (ex-officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Lisa Bradley (ex-officio)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
The Honourable Justice Berna Collier
Ms Jane Crombie
Mr Paul Spiro
Members appointed by the Council
Mr Mick Gooda
Mr Chris Hancock AM
Adjunct Professor Susan Rix AM
Mrs Karen Spiller OAM CF
The QUT Act (s16) states QUT Council must appoint four additional members, at least two of whom must be alumni of the university. As defined by the Alumni Policy, past and present QUT Council members are considered alumni of the university.
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Associate Professor David Nielsen
Academic Staff: Associate Professor Melanie White CF
Professional Staff: Ms Stacey Lowe
Students (Postgraduate): Mrs Natasha Kitano
Students (Undergraduate): Mr William Lane