The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is inviting students, staff, alumni, industry and research partners, and broader community members to help shape its future direction, launching a major engagement initiative as part of developing its new 2026-2030 strategic plan.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the Our Foundations, Our Future engagement reflects UniSQ’s renewed commitment to working alongside its communities.
“UniSQ was established through grassroots community action, and as we plan our next chapter, we are turning to the people who know us best,” Professor Nelson said.
“We want to understand what matters most to the communities we serve – what opportunities they want us to pursue, what challenges they see, and how UniSQ can have the greatest impact in their lives and regions.”
The engagement program will run until September 2025, encompassing regional roundtables, staff and student forums, alumni feedback opportunities, and an online platform where all community members can share their ideas and aspirations for their university.
Engagement begins next week during Executive team and staff visits to Kingaroy, Chinchilla, Dalby, and Warwick. Now in its fourth year, these visits help strengthen partnerships by listening directly to communities across Southern Queensland.
Through meetings with local leaders, schools, and community groups, UniSQ is focused on supporting regional aspirations and driving positive outcomes in education, research, and community impact.
UniSQ’s new strategy will guide the University's direction through to 2030, building on strengths including flexible learning, research in agriculture, environment, health, space and advanced engineering, regional and community development.
“From our foundation in 1960 through to today, UniSQ’s purpose has always been clear: to empower learners, support our communities, and deliver research that makes a real difference,” Professor Nelson said.
“We’re proud to support more than 20,000 current students and connect with 120,000 alumni globally.
“Our vision is to be Australia’s most transformative university, and that means ensuring our strategy reflects the values, needs, and hopes of those we serve.”
