UQ appoints Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)

The University of Queensland has appointed an internationally recognised leader in education innovation to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).

Professor Kris Ryan will join UQ from Monash University, where he is Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic, and leads a portfolio that includes student experience, diversity and inclusion and education innovation.

His role has encompassed university-wide education policy, innovation and access, and ensuring robust analysis of student analysis through learning analytics.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said that Professor Ryan had channelled his passion for quality education into approaches that have supported improvements in the student learning experience.

“His work has been met with great enthusiasm from students and colleagues alike, and we are delighted that Kris will be joining us at UQ in January next year.”

As a leader in the Monash education response to COVID-19, Professor Ryan helped lead the transition of all teaching to online education, managing the return to campus and hybrid learning.

He has also introduced targeted peer-mentoring program for all first-year students, a learning analytics program to inform student retention initiatives and eAssessment for final exams.

Professor Ryan holds a PhD in Engineering Science Research and has taught engineering dynamics, computational engineering, fluid dynamics, engineering design and thermodynamics.

An active research focus includes team-based assessment in STEM, learning design and the impact of technology on academic outcomes, along with learning analytics.

In fluid mechanics, Professor Ryan’s research has resulted in techniques which can be applied to micro-helicopter stability and blood fluid and bio-reactor flow modelling.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) Professor Doune Macdonald will continue to act in the DVCA role until Professor Ryan commences in early 2023.

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)429 056 139.