University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd was confirmed as the new Chair of Universities Australia at today's Annual General Meeting.
Professor Lloyd succeeds La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO.
Professor Lloyd was educated as a chemist and specialises in computer aided drug design.
He came to Australia in 2013 with considerable experience in higher education and research. He has held senior leadership positions at Trinity College Dublin, served as Chair of the Irish Research Council, and was previously a member of the Australian Research Council's Advisory Council.
The AGM also confirmed the appointment of the following new Board members:
- Professor Carolyn Evans - Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University
- Professor Adam Shoemaker - Vice-Chancellor and President, Victoria University
- Professor Renée Leon PSM - Vice-Chancellor and President, Charles Sturt University
- Professor Pascale Quester - Vice-Chancellor and President, Swinburne University of Technology
The continuing Board members are:
- Professor Margaret Sheil AO - Vice-Chancellor and President, Queensland University of Technology
- Professor Attila Brungs - Vice-Chancellor and President, University of New South Wales
- Professor Steve Chapman - Vice-Chancellor and President, Edith Cowan University
- Ms Catriona Jackson - Chief Executive, Universities Australia
The Chair and Board appointments are effective immediately.
Attributable to Professor John Dewar AO:
"It has been a privilege to lead Australia's university sector as Chair for the past two years.
"Through the challenges of COVID to the anticipation of the Universities Accord, I am incredibly proud of the way our universities have responded to immense challenges and new opportunities.
"The coming two years will be pivotal ones for the sector, and I can think of no better person than David to whom to hand the baton."
Attributable to Professor David Lloyd:
"It's both an exciting and challenging time to be taking over the leadership of Australia's university sector.
"I pay tribute to John who has led the sector with distinction as Chair and thank him for his significant contribution during his long association with Universities Australia.
"Universities become more central to our economic prosperity and sustainability every day and I am honoured to be in this position through what will be a critical period for our sector and the nation.
"Australia is dealing with skill shortages, a new industrial revolution, economic challenges and security issues - all challenges and opportunities universities are key to.
"I intend to take full advantage of the opportunity we have through the Universities Accord to shape the future direction of higher education in Australia.
"I look forward to working with government to ensure universities can continue to deliver for all Australians."
