Torrens University

We champion the power of people to connect the world for good.

Torrens University is Australia’s international university and vocational registered training organisation, built on the shoulders of giants. We have partnered with prestigious schools and colleges, to develop a fresh, modern, global perspective for higher education.

We offer high-quality vocational and higher education undergraduate, graduate, higher degree by research and specialised degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, delivering our programs online and on our campuses. We have campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, the Blue Mountains, Auckland and China.

Our work is strengthened, amplified and its impact reinforced through partnerships with industry, research collaborations, sport, government and non-government organisations.

Our vision, ‘We champion the power of people to connect the world for good’, and our values of beginning and ending with people, being good, being creative, being bold, being well and being global are at the core of everything we do. Our vision and values underpin and inform all the work done in our institutions.

Governance at Torrens University

Torrens University Australia’s Governing Board oversees operational performance and discusses the strategic direction of the group. Torrens has a well formulated and effective Governance Framework. Its governance structure, working through delegations to the Academic Board and its Finance and Audit and Risk Committees, plus the organisational structure, provide for robust management and reporting functions that ensure quality assurance of all the academic activities of Torrens University verticals, including the maintenance of high standards in teaching and scholarship.

Mr Michael Thawley AO

Chancellor of Torrens University

Michael Thawley is a former Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. He has a broad range of international and Australian-based business leadership roles, including as former vice-chairman of Capital Group International, a member of Capital Group Companies. Mr. Thawley was born in London and was educated at Australian National University and Surrey University.

The Governing Board

Roles and Responsibilities

The Torrens University Governing Board governs the University in accordance with the Board’s Constitution which outlines its role regarding strategy, risk management, academic governance, reporting and disclosure, management, performance, corporate governance and delegations.

The Governing Board has three committees which meet quarterly before each board meeting.

  • Finance committee provides expert advice to the Governing Board on financial performance in the current year and the financial implications of any future plans.

  • Audit and Risk committee provides expert advice to the Governing Board on audit and risk performance.

  • The Nominations committee provides expert advice to the Governing Board on:

    • The Board committee structure and makeup

    • Identifying suitable candidates for board vacancies

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Mr Michael Thawley AO

  • Chief Executive Officer: Dan Cockerell

  • Vice-Chancellor: Professor Alwyn Louw

  • President: Linda Brown

Governing Body Members

  • The Hon. Greg Crafter AO

  • Michael Reed

  • Karl McDonnell

  • Daniel Jackson

  • Laura Anderson

  • Dr. Michael McRobbie AO

Governing Board Members