Vice-Chancellor and President
Message from the Chancellor
We are a proud and ambitious university with deep roots in our communities and an eye firmly on the future. From Toowoomba to Springfield and Ipswich, we are shaping the next generation of leaders, driving applied research with real-world impact, and expanding opportunities for all.
As our next Vice-Chancellor and President, you will lead a dynamic, future-focused institution that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and values-driven leadership. You will join at a pivotal time, as we deepen our research capabilities, grow our student population, and respond boldly to the rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
This role is more than a leadership opportunity. It is a chance to leave a lasting mark on a university that is making a real difference – to individuals, to industries, and to the regions we serve.
If you share our values of respect, integrity and excellence, and you are energised by the possibilities of regional impact with global relevance, we warmly invite your application.
The Honourable Dr John McVeigh
Chancellor
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is a bold, ambitious, and deeply community-connected institution leading the transformation of regional Australia through education, research, and innovation.
At UniSQ, we are more than just a university – we’re a partner in possibility. Grounded in a proud legacy of equity and access, we’ve been transforming lives for more than 50 years, empowering students from all walks of life to thrive in a changing world. With more than 20,000 students and 100,000 alumni worldwide, our impact extends across generations, industries, and borders.
We are where the now and next converge. In a world that demands adaptability, creativity, and courage, UniSQ is building Australia’s most transformative university – where student-centred learning meets world-class research with real-world impact. As one of the largest online universities in the nation, we offer a first-class education with the required flexibility. Our graduates are job-ready, our teaching is personalised, and our campuses – in Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich, and Brisbane hub – are in some of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.
As one of just six national Trailblazer universities, UniSQ is at the forefront of Australia’s future industries – leading space and defence research, pioneering drought-resilient agriculture, driving regional development, and delivering medical innovation that changes lives. We proudly partner with NASA, collaborate with defence and aerospace industries, and build solutions alongside the communities we serve.
From first-in-family students to global collaborations, from rural Queensland to the world stage, UniSQ is proudly grounded and future-focused.
We are proud to support:
- 20,000+ students, with a strong focus on first-in-family and equity pathways
- 100,000+ alumni worldwide
- One of the most inclusive and supportive learning environments in the country.
UniSQ by the numbers:
- 80.4% graduate full-time employment (within four months of graduating)
- 48% of students are first in their family to attend university
- 30% of undergraduate and postgraduate students are from low SES backgrounds
- 97.7 research strength score (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
- 154 ranking out of 1904 universities for research quality (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024)
Our locations
UniSQ Toowoomba
Located in Australia’s largest inland city. Our UniSQ Toowoomba campus is just a 90-minute drive west from the state’s capital Brisbane, Toowoomba exudes history and tradition – a proud foundation city that champions its Queensland heritage.
Go to topUniSQ Ipswich
Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. Our UniSQ Ipswich campus is located approximately 45 minutes from Brisbane and just over an hour from the Gold Coast. It offers an ideal lifestyle, combining heritage charm with the benefits of modern and exciting metropolitan living.
Go to topUniSQ Springfield
Located in Australia’s largest master-planned community. UniSQ Springfield is a close-knit, modern campus located just 20 minutes from the Ipswich CBD, 35 minutes from Brisbane city with connecting public transport and 50 minutes from the Gold Coast.
Go to topUniSQ Brisbane
Located in the heart of a dynamic, global city, UniSQ Brisbane serves as a vibrant hub connecting business, industry, and government through meaningful collaboration and engagement.
Go to topOur plans and reports
Our Statement of Strategic Ambition 2026-2030
Vision
To be Australia’s most transformative University, where ambition, community, creativity and excellence lead to a better tomorrow.
Mission
We support the evolving needs of our students and communities, working together to foster industry-connected learners, create opportunities, and address present & future challenges.
Values
- Respect for People, Place and Purpose - We respect the diversity, cultures, and ideas that enrich our communities. We acknowledge and respect the lands on which we learn, work, and build futures.
- Integrity in Action - We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We choose what is right over what is easy, building trust with our staff, students, partners, and communities.
- Excellence in practice - We strive for excellence in all we do, continually adapting and delivering meaningful impact. We measure our success by the positive change we create today and the future we help build.
Strategic pillars
- Empowering Learning - We empower students through flexible and contemporary learning experiences, guiding and supporting them to achieve their potential.
- Thriving communities - We strengthen communities by empowering individuals, addressing evolving challenges, and building sustainable solutions that lead to a brighter, more resilient future.
- Industry & Globally Connected - Our globally and locally connected staff and partnerships lead to solutions that meet current and future workforce demands.
- Discovery. Creativity. Impact - We engage in world-class research that sparks discovery and creativity, informs future-ready education, and has meaningful impact.
Our Education Plan
Delivering quality and excellence in programs, innovative learning and teaching, and the student experience.
In pursuit of our mission to create and share knowledge, transform lives and solve the problems that matter to our world, the University of Southern Queensland is driving key strategies to bolster our reputation as a provider of contemporary academic offerings.
We are committed to three core academic strategies, which are to:
- Create a sustainable and strategic program portfolio
- Embrace innovative learning and teaching practices
- Provide intentionally designed flexible student experiences that are positive, productive and rewarding.
Our Research Plan
UniSQ research is a catalyst for industry growth, innovation and community prosperity and well-being, through focused, high-quality research and training.
UniSQ's world-class research institutes, centres and faculties are home to unique state-of-the-art facilities enabling our researchers to deliver a broad range of research outcomes across multiple disciplines. There is strong alignment between the School’s research interests and those of the University’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering, Centre for Future Materials and Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems.
Over the coming decade, UniSQ will be transformed into a vibrant research environment, spanning all our disciplines. We aspire to:
- Exceed the 2030 Provider Category Standards
- Improve International Rankings
- Achieve national and international leadership in key flagship areas: agriculture, health, space and defence, and regional development.
Our Engagement Plan
UniSQ engagement focuses on the communities we serve and the collective power to achieve more.
As Australia’s leading regional university, we are a vital part of the communities we serve and are known for quality education and excellent career outcomes. Our ambition is to gain a deep understanding of our community and partners, identifying opportunities where we can strengthen our connections and create sustainable value and impact.
We will collectively achieve the following:
- Empower staff and students to effectively engage across our communities
- Strengthen advocacy and policy development
- Business development for economic impact
- Create thought leadership and value
- Scale up outreach and student recruitment
- Increase active alumni partners.
At the core of UniSQ's research and education excellence are our flagships that set us apart from other institutions and clearly define our areas of strength.
Agriculture
UniSQ’s Agriculture and Environment flagship provides a teaching and research focus in agriculture, crop health, natural resource management, environment and climate sciences.
Space and Defence
The UniSQ’s Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences delivers space and defence related research and teaching expertise, with strengths in developing hypersonic propulsions systems, advanced materials, and astrophysics.
Health
UniSQ’s multi-disciplinary Centre for Health is focused on improving health and wellbeing by addressing the key health behaviours, influences and outcomes associated with key public health issues.
Regional Development
UniSQ’s multi-disciplinary Regional Development flagship is helping to build diversified and adaptive economies, and diverse cultural identities that underpin a thriving regional Australia that is a desirable place to work and live.
Our work is powered by People, Purpose and Possibility.
At UniSQ, we’re united by a bold ambition – to transform lives through outstanding education, exceptional student outcomes, and research that delivers tangible impact for our regions and beyond.
We believe diversity is not just a value – it’s a strategic advantage. Our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions of our people. We are building a culture where excellence thrives alongside inclusion, and where individuals can achieve their full potential while being respected for who they are.
Our workforce includes around 1,800 academic, professional, and casual staff – many of whom are nationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research, leadership, and community engagement. We work flexibly across digital and physical campuses to meet the needs of a changing world, and we connect in ways that are agile, collaborative, and purpose driven.
UniSQ is proudly one of Australia’s most inclusive universities. We actively support applications from women – particularly for senior and non-traditional roles – along with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature-age workers, and people of all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations.
We recognise that career paths are not always linear. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage candidates to share the context behind their journeys—including career breaks, family responsibilities, and other defining experiences.
This is a place for leaders who want to make a difference, who see inclusion as a catalyst for excellence and believe that education should open doors, change lives, and strengthen communities.
Vice-Chancellor and President opportunity
The Vice-Chancellor and President will be an accomplished and visionary leader who brings strategic insight, intellectual credibility, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education.
As Chief Executive Officer of the University, the Vice-Chancellor and President is responsible to the University Council and works closely with the Council and the Chancellor to shape and realise UniSQ’s long-term vision. They will provide outstanding academic, strategic, operational, financial, and managerial leadership across the institution.
The successful candidate will be a visible and influential advocate for UniSQ – actively promoting its interests, reputation, and success on the national and global stage. They will engage confidently with government, industry, alumni, and the broader community to expand the University’s reach, impact, and influence.
The Vice-Chancellor and President will act with the highest standards of professional and personal conduct, leading and managing the organisation’s performance in accordance with its core values.
In doing so, the Vice-Chancellor and President has specific accountabilities including:
- Leading the University in fulfilling its mission and strategic goals, with a strong focus on high-quality, impactful academic achievement and realising the full potential of the institution
- Driving the strategic positioning of the University to enhance its international, national, and regional reputation, while effectively leading change and navigating complex challenges
- Building and sustaining a high-performing executive team, fostering accountability, transparency, and ethical, collaborative leadership
- Establishing and strengthening strategic partnerships across universities, industry, government, and communities—nationally and globally—while championing UniSQ’s regional identity and impact
- Strategically managing the University’s resources to deliver outcomes and ensure long-term financial sustainability with a forward-looking, performance-driven mindset
- Maintaining strong, effective relationships with academic and governance bodies to ensure sound institutional oversight and alignment
- Fostering a high-performance culture focused on excellence, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance, while proactively identifying and managing risk
- Inspiring alignment with the University’s vision and ambition—driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and building a shared sense of purpose and pride
- Promoting diversity as a driver of innovation and success and leading a university-wide commitment to Indigenous knowledges, cultural awareness, mutual respect, and reconciliation as defining features of university culture.
Academic and scholarly profile
- Distinguished academic qualifications, recognised significant standing and scholarly achievements reflecting a senior academic leader with an ability to champion the University’s research, learning and teaching priorities.
- A clear understanding of the tertiary education sector in Australia and the international higher education context, together with an understanding of the role of universities in research and a strong interest in the welfare of students and their academic opportunities.
Vision and strategy
- Exemplary ability to set clear strategic goals, successfully lead a growth and innovation agenda, and manage organisational change demanded by the University’s strategic directions.
- Ability to motivate, inspire and share a compelling vision and sense of purpose and stand up as a leader in times of change, challenge and uncertainty.
Leadership and management experience
- Superior people management, consultation, negotiation and conflict management skills, with a track record of demonstrated ethical behaviour to inspire trust, teamwork, commitment and cohesion.
- Ability to instil a values based, high performance culture with a results focus through tough decision making, implementing rigorous actions and ensuring accountability and ownership of outcomes.
- Extensive experience in leading a large and internally diverse organisation including proven expertise in the management of significant financial, commercial, human and physical resources.
Personal qualities, style and values
- A strong grasp of, and deep commitment to, the University’s mission, vision and values with an appreciation of the distinctive challenges of managing a young and dynamic university in a variety of regional settings.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity principles and practices and to the continued development of a multicultural and equitable campus that values diversity of staff and students.
Communication and culture
- Outstanding communication skills with demonstrated ability to create meaning and identity through personal influence and example.
- An ability to cultivate a positive organisational culture through transparency, honesty and integrity in communication style and approach.
Community and external engagement
- A successful record of entrepreneurship evidenced through identifying, building and supporting strategic partnerships and relationships with industry, education, government/s and the community.
- Capacity and motivation to maintain a highly visible presence on campus and in the community with a politically savvy approach to the media.
Terms of appointment
The initial term of appointment will be for four years.(Check with John – should be 5 years, previous VC was appointed on 4 year terms)
Title
The University will confer the title of Professor on the appointee for the term of appointment.
Location
The Vice-Chancellor and President will be located at one of the University’s campuses – Ipswich, Springfield or Toowoomba.
It is expected that the Vice-Chancellor and President will regularly work across all campuses.
Remuneration
A remuneration package will be determined by the Chancellor and Council after discussion with the successful candidate and the conditions of employment will be incorporated into a comprehensive individual Employment Agreement.
Other benefits
The University will make employer contributions of up to 17% to UniSuper. UniSuper is proud to be UniSQ's super fund of choice and is the only super fund dedicated to higher education and research professionals.
A fully maintained vehicle is provided for business and private use as part of the Employment Agreement.
Annual, long service and other leave are provided in accordance with UniSQ's policies and procedures.
Relocation costs, including travelling and removal costs, for the successful appointee and family members will be met by the University.
UniSQ is supported in this appointment process by executive search firm Boyden Australia.
How to apply
To be considered for the role, your application must include the following:
Candidate statement
A statement of no more than four pages outlining:
- Your motivation for applying for the position
- What you would bring to the role, with reference to the selection criteria, and your relevant experience, skills, and expertise
- What you hope to achieve as Vice-Chancellor and President, particularly in the context of UniSQ’s strategic direction, values, and goals.
Curriculum vitae
Include a comprehensive CV detailing:
- Full name, residential address, confidential email address, and contact phone number(s)
- A list of positions held, including dates, responsibilities, and key achievements
- Education history and qualifications, including dates awarded
- Any additional relevant information such as industry engagement, community involvement, and professional memberships.
Availability
- Your earliest possible commencement date
- Your current total remuneration package.
Referees
Contact details of three (3) referees who have agreed to supply confidential references. Referees will only be contacted after prior consultation with you. It is your responsibility to ensure referees are willing to provide reports when contacted.
Indicative timeline
| Search period and advertising | {insert dates} |
| Application closing date | {insert dates} |
| XXXX search firm discussions and interviews | {insert dates} |
| UniSQ selection panel shortlisting | {insert dates} |
| UniSQ Interviews | {insert dates} |
Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the role and UniSQ please contact xx
P: +61 x
E: x
Applications close x
Further information
The University reserves the right to invite applications, make an appointment by invitation, and/or to not make an appointment.