University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities. For more than a century, UQ has educated and worked with outstanding people to deliver knowledge leadership for a better world.
With a strong focus on teaching excellence, UQ has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university, and attracts the majority of Queensland’s high achievers, as well as top interstate and overseas students. UQ is also an undisputed leader in research commercialisation. To date, UQ discoveries have produced more than $32 billion in gross product sales, and UQ intellectual property has founded more than 100 startups – a milestone unsurpassed by any other Australian university.
UQ is one of only three Australian members of the global Universitas 21; a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities; a member of Universities Australia; and one of only three Australian charter members of the prestigious edX enterprise, the global consortium creating massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Governance
The University of Queensland is a body corporate governed by the University of Queensland Act 1998 and a 22-member Senate representing University and community interests. The Act outlines UQ’s many functions and general powers, including its primary function "to disseminate knowledge and promote scholarship".
The Senate is led by the Chancellor, elected by the Senate. It grants Senate-wide powers to appoint staff, manage and control UQ affairs and property, and manage and control finances to promote UQ's interests. Committees support decision making for matters associated with UQ's key functions.
The UQ Governance and Management Framework provides the overall structure and direction for the governance and management of UQ.
The Chancellor
Mr Peter Varghese AO
Chancellor of UQ
Mr Varghese took up his position as the fourteenth Chancellor at The University of Queensland on 11 July 2016. Prior to this appointment, Mr Varghese was Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 3 December 2012 to 1 July 2016. His diplomatic appointments include High Commissioner to India (2009–12), High Commissioner to Malaysia (2000–02) and postings to Tokyo, Washington and Vienna.
From 2004–09, Mr Varghese was Director-General of the Office of National Assessments, a statutory office that reports directly to the Prime Minister and also coordinates the Australian intelligence community. In 2003, Mr Varghese was the senior international adviser in the office of Prime Minister John Howard. He also headed up the international division of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1998–99.
In 1996–97, Mr Varghese headed up the secretariat which drafted Australia’s first White Paper on foreign and trade policy. In July 2018 Mr Varghese submitted the India Economic Strategy to 2035 commissioned by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2017.
Mr Varghese was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2010 for distinguished service to public administration, particularly in leading reform in the Australian intelligence community and as an adviser in the areas of foreign policy and international security. He was awarded a Doctor of Letters honoris causa by The University of Queensland in July 2013 in recognition of his distinguished service to diplomacy and Australian public service.
Mr Varghese sits on the boards of CARE Australia and North Queensland Airports and chairs Asialink’s advisory council and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Editorial Advisory Board. He is also on the international governing board of the Rajaratnum School of International Studies in Singapore. He was awarded the Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop Asialink Medal in 2019 in recognition of outstanding contributions to improving Australia-Asia relations.
Governing body
The Senate
The University of Queensland Act also establishes the Senate as UQ’s peak governing body. The Senate has oversight of structures, policies, processes and planning, as well as reviewing and approving UQ's strategic direction.
Senate is the peak governing body of the University as constituted by the University of Queensland Act 1998. The 35th Senate began its four-year term on 1 January 2022.
The primary role of Senate is to exercise oversight of the University and its affairs. In particular, Senate ensures that the appropriate structures, policies, processes and planning are in place for UQ to effectively manage its activities and achieve its goals. Senate reviews and approves the strategic direction of the University.
Senate endorses the Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance of Australian Universities.
The Senate Charter summarises the authority, roles and responsibilities of Senate members based on principles of effective corporate governance.
Membership
There are 22 members in official, appointed and elected capacities. The Chancellor is appointed by members to lead Senate. For more information, read Composition of the 35th Senate. The role of a Senate member is similar to that of a director of a large company. External members bring a range of knowledge and expertise and are able to offer special skills and advice. Members who are staff or students bring knowledge and an understanding of the University's activities and culture, and provide a link between Senate and staff and students. Members usually also participate in one or more of the Senate Committees and some members are representatives on faculty boards.
Official Members
Chancellor: Mr Peter N Varghese AO
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Deborah Terry AO (ex-officio)
President of the Academic Board: Professor Lydia Kavanagh (ex-officio)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Ms Julieanne Alroe
Ms Charmaine Chalmers
Mr Phil Hennessy AO
Mr Rob Jones
Mr Grant Murdoch
Mr Jason Titman
Ms Cecile Wake
Members appointed by the Senate
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Tonianne Dwyer
Graduate: Ms Sallyanne Atkinson AO
Graduate: Dr Lee Richard Duffield
Graduate: Dr Mellissa Naidoo
Ms Anne Cross AM
His Honour Judge Nathan Jarro
Members elected by the university community
Academic Board: Professor Greg Hainge
Academic Staff: Professor Kristen Lyons
Professional Staff: Dr Dino Willox
Students (Postgraduate): Mr Richard Lee
Students (Undergraduate): Mr Joshua Marsh