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University of South Australia

People, Programs and Precincts are the heart of UniSA operations.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a globally connected and engaged university, with a core focus on delivering research and education that will support solutions for both industry and the professions.

UniSA’s teaching is industry-informed, and through strong industry engagement, its researchers create knowledge that is central to global economic and social prosperity.

The largest university in South Australia, UniSA teaches more than 36,000 students located across four metropolitan and two regional campuses and through its innovative online education - UniSA Online - where all programs have been designed specifically by the University for this mode of learning.

Students choose from more than 200 world-class degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including business, accounting, law, education, nursing, physiotherapy, podiatry, medical radiation, exercise science, pharmacy, information technology, software engineering, science, mathematics, engineering, contemporary art, creative industries, journalism, psychology, social work and more.

Practical learning, informed by industry best practice, is central to UniSA’s teaching approach.

Collaborations with more than 2,500 companies worldwide to bring students placement, project, research and work opportunities, have delivered UniSA the number one ranking in the State for graduate employability, student satisfaction and student experience. arED (QILT).

UniSA is a place for unstoppable people and our graduates are a new breed of professionals - confident global citizens, able to respond to change, ready for opportunities that arise, and to create opportunities that contribute to their communities

UniSA is Australia’s University of Enterprise.

Governance at the
University of South Australia

The University’s governing authority is the University Council. The Council meets seven times a year and is chaired by the Chancellor, The Hon John Hill. The Vice Chancellor and President, Professor David Lloyd, is the University's chief executive, with responsibility for its overall management and administration.

The Hon. John Hill

Chancellor of University of South Australia

The Hon. John Hill (FAICD, LLB, DipEd, BA) began his Parliamentary career in 1997. He served in a number of ministerial roles – including Minister for Environment and Conservation (2002– 2006), Minister for Health (2005–2013) and assistant Minister and Minister for the Arts (2002–2013). John retired from the Cabinet in 2013 and Parliament in 2014 and is a member of various boards, including: ACH Group, Bellberry Ltd, and Private Healthcare Australia. John was appointed as Deputy Chancellor in December 2018 and Chancellor in May 2024.

University Council

Council is the governing body of the University of South Australia and is responsible for the following

  • overseeing the management and development of the University

  • approving strategic plans and major policies, devising or approving statutes and by-laws for the University,

  • monitoring and reviewing the operation of the University

  • appointing, and overseeing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice-Chancellor.

Council Membership

Official Members

Chancellor: The Hon John Hill (to 31 December 2026)
Vice-Chancellor: Professor David Lloyd
Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Deirdre Tedmanson (to 31 December 2025)

Appointed Members (Ministerial)

Mr Simon Hickey (to 31 December 2025)
Mr Brendan Thomas (to 5 August 2028)

Appointed Members (Council)

Deputy Chancellor: Mr Michael Abbott AO KC (to 31 December 2026)
Pro-Chancellor: Ms Mary Patetsos AM (to 31 December 2026)
Ms Elaine Bensted (to 31 December 2026)
Ms Ruth Blenkiron (to 31 December 2026)
Mr John Evans (to 31 December 2026)
Mr Terry Evans AM (to 31 December 2026)
Mr William (Bill) Muirhead AO (to 31 December 2026)
Mr Ian Smith AM (to 31 December 2026)

Elected Members

Academic Staff: Professor Craig Williams (to 31 December 2025)
Professional Staff: Ms Vanessa Matthews (to 31 December 2025)
Postgraduate Student: Ms Dasuni Imansa Jaburuthugoda Gamarachchige (to 31 December 2025)
Student Representative: Mr Oliver Shephard-Bayly (to 31 December 2025)