Universities Australia chief executive to step down

The chief executive of Universities Australia (UA), Catriona Jackson, has announced that she will step down at the end of the year.

“After seven-and-a-half years at UA, including five as chief executive, it is time to hand the baton on, and the end of the Australian Universities Accord process is a good time to depart,” Ms Jackson said. 

“I have loved serving the Australian university sector and will continue to work in and around Australia’s great universities.

“Our universities are precious national assets, working every day to improve the lives of every Australian, making our nation stronger, safer and more successful.

“I sincerely believe an Australian university education is a ticket to endless opportunity and thank all those who have worked with me to protect and promote the sector I love.”

UA said it would commence an “extensive search process” for a new chief executive.

David Lloyd, chair of the UA board, said that Ms Jackson had “done an outstanding job of fostering an environment in which universities can deliver for the nation”.

“She is a consummate professional and a principled advocate who has worked tirelessly on behalf of Australia’s universities to promote our significant value to the Australian community and policymakers,” said Professor Lloyd, vice-chancellor of the University of South Australia.

“It is rarely an easy task, and often a thankless one, but Catriona has performed with diligence and determination. She has runs on the board and leaves the sector in a good position for the future.

“Catriona’s tenure, of course, included the Covid-19 pandemic, through which she led our advocacy for a further A$1 billion [£523 million] in research funding at a time when it was needed most.

“She has also driven our central involvement in the Australian Universities Accord – a process she will see out as chief executive and one through which she is lobbying fiercely for the policies and funding settings that will support a thriving, diverse and inclusive higher education sector.

“On behalf of Australia’s 39 comprehensive universities, I would like to express my complete gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Catriona for all she has done for higher education.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com