University of Southern Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is recognised leader in online and blended education, renowned for a supportive environment and student-focused commitment to learning and teaching. The University operates across three teaching campuses at Toowoomba, Springfield, and Ipswich in Queensland. UniSQ is a member of the Regional Universities Network (RUN), which is made up of seven member universities based in regional Australia, working together to contribute to the growth of regional economies and communities.
UniSQ prioritises innovative educational offerings that are a catalyst for transforming the lives of students, their families and communities. UniSQ successfully blends access with excellence and is a leading university for student experience and graduate outcomes. UniSQ aims to demonstrate leadership and innovation in the quality of the student experience and to be a source of graduates who excel in the workplace and develop as leaders.
Governance
The University of Southern Queensland Council is the University’s governing body. The University of Southern Queensland Act 1998 establishes the university and its governance structures and responsibilities.
The Chancellor
The Hon. Dr John McVeigh
Chancellor of USQ
Born in Allora Queensland, raised on a Darling Downs grain farm and in Toowoomba, John attended Jondaryan State School, St Joseph’s College, and Downlands College Toowoomba before commencing his tertiary studies. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing & Economics) from the University of Southern Queensland (DDIAE), Master of Business Administration from Bond University and Doctor of Philosophy (Agribusiness Management) from the University of Queensland.
John’s early career included administrative, marketing and management positions in agribusiness corporations, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. He subsequently co-founded an agribusiness management consulting firm and served as managing director for 16 years.
John served as a Councillor on the Toowoomba Regional Council from 2008 to 2012, holding the Corporate Services Portfolio and Chairing the External Audit Committee. He was subsequently the State Member for Toowoomba South in the Queensland Parliament between 2012 and 2016, serving as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from 2012 until 2015 and Shadow Minister for Science, Information Technology and Innovation from 2015 to 2016. In 2016, John was elected the Federal Member for Groom in the Australian Parliament, and in 2017 was appointed Cabinet Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government.
Following his departure from Parliament in 2020, John was appointed Professor and Executive Director of the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Resilient Regions, focused on economic, social and well-being research for regional communities and industries, including agribusiness and energy. John also held the position of the Director of the Commonwealth Future Drought Fund’s Southern Queensland/Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and was Chair of Queensland’s Regional Economies Centre of Excellence.
Alongside other business interests and community organisations, John is currently Executive Director of Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise, an independent, member-driven economic development organisation actively linking the business community to opportunities across the Southeast Queensland, Toowoomba, Western Downs, and Maranoa Regions in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, health and education.
Anita and John are enormously proud of the achievements of their family Meghan, Kevin, Bridget, Annabelle, Marita and Tessa, and are now enjoying the years of welcoming their partners and the members of the next generation.
Governing body
Council
The Council, led by the Chancellor, sets the strategic direction of the University and is empowered under the University of Southern Queensland Act 1998 to do anything necessary or convenient in connection with its functions including specifically:
appointment of staff
management and control of the University’s affairs and property
management and control of the University’s finances.
The Council's primary responsibilities are set out in the UniSQ Governance Charter.
The University of Southern Queensland Council members include:
Chancellor (ex officio)
Vice-Chancellor (ex officio)
Chair, Academic Board (ex officio)
five members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
up to three additional members appointed by the Council, at least one of whom must be a graduate of the University
one member of the academic staff of the University elected by and from members of the academic staff
one member of the professional staff of the University elected by and from members of the professional staff
one student member elected by and from the enrolled students of the University, other than students who are members of the University staff.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: The Hon. Dr John McVeigh
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Glen Coleman (Ex-Officio)
Chair of Academic Board: Professor Alexander Kist (Ex-Officio)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Mr Brett Delaney
Emeritus Professor John Cole OAM
Aunty Lorraine Hatton OAM
Ms Amanda Kenafake
Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond APM
Members appointed by the Council
Deputy Chancellor: Mr George Fox AM
Ms Heidi Dugan
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Dr Sarah McKibbin
Professional Staff: Dr Samantha Rose
Students: Joshua McKeiver