Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane AC named as UQ’s next Chancellor

Professor O’Kane will succeed current UQ Chancellor, Mr Peter Varghese AO, on the conclusion of his second 5-year term in July next year. She will commence in her role on 11 July 2026.

Mr Varghese congratulated Professor O’Kane on her appointment.

“Mary is a highly regarded leader in Australia’s higher education sector. As Chair of the Universities Accord process, Mary has played a central role in crafting a long-term vision for the future of the sector,” Mr Varghese said.

“Her distinguished career history reflects a deep commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation at the highest levels of academia and industry, and UQ will greatly benefit from her leadership.”

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC welcomed Professor O’Kane’s appointment, noting the considerable expertise that she will bring to the University as a leader across many disciplines.

“Mary is a prominent industry and academic leader with an exceptional record of executive, governance and scholarly achievement across a diversity of fields and industries,” Professor Terry said.

“She is also recognised as one of Australia’s most highly regarded advisers for higher education reform, having previously overseen the development of the Australian Universities Accord as its Chair and now serving as Interim Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

“Having completed her undergraduate degree at UQ after growing up in regional Queensland, Mary brings a valuable perspective to the University’s goal of creating more equitable access to higher education through our programs such as The Queensland Commitment.”

Professor O’Kane said she was honoured to have been appointed UQ’s next Chancellor and is looking forward to guiding the University through implementing national reform.

“As a graduate of UQ and self-confessed proud Queenslander, I’m especially keen to work with Debbie, the Senate and the UQ community to expand equitable participation for under‑represented students,” Professor O’Kane said.

“UQ is a contemporary university with an exceptional track record in teaching, learning and research. It is deeply embedded in its community and committed to delivering for the public good, both at home and overseas.

“After helping to shape the Universities Accord, I’m excited to work with UQ’s community to achieve the Accord’s vision for a more equitable higher education sector and recognition of the critical role universities play in supporting our nation’s economic and social prosperity.”

Professor O’Kane also noted that in her current role as ATEC Interim Chief Commissioner, she is not involved in any decisions about The University of Queensland or other Queensland universities.

Professor Terry thanked Mr Varghese for his outstanding service to the University since he commenced as Chancellor in 2016.

“The Chancellor has played a critical role in advancing UQ’s reputation as a world-class research and teaching institution, and in maintaining UQ’s position as a global top 50 university,” Professor Terry said.

“He has led UQ through a period of immense disruption in the higher education sector and through considerable global challenge.

“Our community will continue to benefit from his leadership and guidance over the next 6 months as we navigate the largest period of University reform in a generation.”