UQ honours outgoing Chancellor on eve of leadership change

The University of Queensland has recognised Chancellor Peter Varghese AO’s ‘steady and thoughtful leadership’ as his UQ tenure ends after a decade of distinguished service to UQ and its community. 

Mr Varghese has successfully guided the University through a period of growth and significant sector change during his 2 terms as leader of the University’s Senate.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said Mr Varghese’s tenure had been defined by a clear commitment to purpose-led leadership and the public good, underpinned by a strong focus on financial sustainability.

“On behalf of the entire University community, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Peter for his remarkable contribution to UQ and to higher education in Queensland and Australia,” Professor Terry said. 

“Since his appointment in 2016, UQ’s global profile has strengthened, our community partnerships have deepened, and Peter has led initiatives that will ensure UQ will continue to deliver impact for generations to come.”

The University has announced the Social Sciences Building at the St Lucia Campus will be named the Peter N Varghese Building.

He will also remain connected to the University as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Political Science and International Studies.

“Peter will support teaching and research on matters of diplomacy, regional geopolitics and foreign policy which was Peter’s professional field before becoming Chancellor,” Professor Terry said.

Mr Varghese said it had been a tremendous honour to serve the UQ community.

“It was a privilege to apply the skills and knowledge from my previous career to help the University navigate a complex period for the higher education sector,” he said.

“UQ has been intrinsic to my family’s Australia story.  If my father had not been offered an academic position at UQ in 1965, we would likely not have stayed in Australia and our family of 9 children would have been denied the great opportunities Australia has since provided us.”

Legacy initiatives

Mr Varghese was instrumental in the major philanthropic initiative Not if, When – the Campaign to Create Change, a platform for the community to partner with UQ to enable greater access to higher education, to advance research, and enrich students’ lives.  

He also established the UQ Future Fund to support teaching, learning, and community engagement, and to help secure the University’s long-term financial sustainability. 

His significant contributions to the broader higher education sector include involvement in the International Education Strategy to Advance Queensland 2016-2026, the Australian Universities Accord, and the Australian Government’s Independent Review into Freedom of Speech in Higher Education. 

New chapter

UQ’s 15th Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane AC, will officially begin her term on Monday 13 July. 

A highly respected academic and industry leader, Mary has made significant contributions to education, research and innovation in Australia over her distinguished 45-year career. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to build on the strong foundations of my wonderful predecessor,” Professor O’Kane said.

“I also look forward to working with the Vice-Chancellor and Senate to advance UQ’s mission to deliver for the public good through excellence in education, research and engagement with our communities and partners,” Professor O’Kane said.

“The Queensland Commitment is an integral part of this as a great example of expanded and more flexible access to higher education which is vital if we are to meet the skills needs of Queensland and Australia more generally.”

Professor Terry said Professor O’Kane would bring a deep understanding of the role universities play in creating opportunity, advancing knowledge and supporting economic and social progress. 

“Most recently, she played a central role in shaping the vision for Australia’s higher education sector as Chair of the Universities Accord process and Interim Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission,” Professor Terry said.

“I look forward to working with Mary and welcoming her to UQ.”