Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d)
Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.
Sir Angus is Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast and Chair of the Defence South Australia Advisory Board; the Victorian Police Corporate Advisory Group; the University of NSW Canberra Advisory Board; the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Supashock Advanced Suspension Advisory Committee.
He is a Board Member of Virgin Australia, Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience Thompson Institute; the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, the Anzac Centenary Public Fund Board, GreaterGood Canberra and the Victorian Police Executive Command.
Sir Angus is a Senior Counselor for an international business advisory firm, The Cohen Group. He is also a visiting fellow of the Australian National University National Security College.
In addition, he is the Ambassador/Patron of numerous charitable organisations.
In July 2014, Sir Angus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to lead Australia’s efforts to help recover, identify and repatriate Australians killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster. Sir Angus also led the Joint Agency Coordination Centre coordinating the Australian Government’s support for the search into missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in 2014.
In 2012 Sir Angus led the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers.
Sir Angus was Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board from July 2011 until March 2014. The Board provided strategic advice to the Australian Government in relation to the planning and implementation of the Anzac Centenary 2014-2018.
In July 2011, Sir Angus retired as Chief of the Australian Defence Force after 41 years of service in the military.
In 2011, he was named the Australian Father of the Year and in 2012, the ACT Australian of the Year.
Sir Angus was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University of South Australia in August 2017, Degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from ANU in December 2016, Degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa from UNSW in November 2015, and Degree of Doctor of the University from Griffith University in December 2013.
Sir Angus is married to Liz and they have three sons and three grandchildren.
University Profile
USC is ranked by students as one of Australia’s best universities for teaching quality and overall student experience.
USC offers hands-on learning and flexible study options across more than 120 programs, at a network of teaching locations between Moreton Bay and the Fraser Coast. Since 1996, we have supported almost 25,000 graduates achieve their educational and career goals.
All USC programs include practical training or internships, and focus on core skills students need to succeed in the future workplace. USC is considered one of the best universities in Australia for employer satisfaction with graduates.
USC research brings some of the brightest minds from around the world to live and work in its communities. From climate change adaptation to regional healthcare, bioenergy to young driver safety, USC works to solve problems that directly impact its regions.
USC’s international reputation for research is growing every year, with 26 research fields rated at world standard or above. Leading research areas include environmental sciences, nursing, medical and health sciences, biological sciences, engineering, technology, psychology, agricultural and veterinary sciences, human studies and communication.
USC is committed to unlocking the innovation, productivity and full human potential of our regions, and to working with government, industry and community to encourage prosperity in a knowledge-driven world. Each year, we contribute more than half a billion dollars to our local economies, and our network of study locations lets us tailor USC’s programs and research to deliver local campus experiences that build capacity and drive growth across South-East Queensland’s coastal corridor.
To find out more, visit the University of the Sunshine Coast website www.usc.edu.au
Governance
University of the Sunshine Coast Council
Council is the University’s governing body and derives its powers from the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (QLD).
The primary responsibilities of the Council of the University of the Sunshine Coast are:
To appoint the Vice-Chancellor and President as the Chief Executive Officer of the University and to monitor his/her performance against agreed indicators
To determine the Vision and strategic direction of the University and to approve the annual budget
To oversee and review the management of the University and its performance
To establish high level policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
To approve and monitor systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any controlled entities of the University
To oversee and monitor the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings
To oversee and monitor the academic activities of the University
To approve significant commercial activities
To ensure the ongoing appropriateness of all delegations approved by Council.
Membership of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Council is as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) – Chancellor (to 31 March 2022)
Professor Greg Hill – Vice Chancellor and President (to 17 August 2020)
Professor Tim Wess – Chairperson of the Academic Board (to 3 June 2021)
Appointed Members – Governor-in-Council
Mr Scott Williams AM – Deputy Chancellor (to 8 December 2021)
Ms Debra Bennet (to 8 December 2021)
Ms Sandra Birkensleigh (to 8 December 2021)
Mr David Foster (to 8 December 2021)
Ms Jenny Morawska (to 8 December 2021)
Mr Tim Rothwell (to 8 December 2021)
Appointed Members – Council
Ms Katie Toney (to 1 August 2023)
Ms Melinda Bryant (to 6 December 2022)
Elected Members
Dr Mark Sayers – Academic Staff (to 8 December 2021)
Dr Ruth Greenaway – Professional Staff (to 8 December 2021)
Professor Marion Gray – Academic Staff (to 8 December 2021)
Ms Melissa Geltch – Student (to 8 December 2021)
Mr Nathan Wellington – Student (to 8 December 2021)
Other Governing Bodies
Other Governing bodies within the University include:
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Chair – Sandra Birkensleigh
Planning and Resources Committee
Chair – Scott Williams AM
Honorary Awards Committee
Chair – Scott Williams AM
Nominations Committee
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) – Chancellor
Academic Board
Chair – Professor Tim Wess
Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast Board
Chair – Dr Peter Isdale AM