After six years as Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, Professor Deborah Terry, will return to The University of Queensland as Vice-Chancellor and President, commencing on 1 August 2020.
UQ Chancellor Mr Peter Varghese said Senate’s decision to appoint Professor Terry was unanimous.
Much of the criteria for choosing UQ’s new Vice-Chancellor was informed by consultation with staff, students, alumni and partners earlier this year.
“Like many industries, the university sector is going through significant change, combined with much economic and political uncertainty.
“Our staff, students and researchers are looking for global opportunities to collaborate and partner,” said Mr Varghese.
“Professor Terry’s deep knowledge of the sector, her focus on people and culture and her track record in building partnerships, with government and enterprise at home and abroad, are the skills needed to build on the great achievements of Professor Peter Høj.”
Professor Terry started her career at UQ in the School of Psychology in 1990, and when she left more than two decades later, was Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Terry said she was “honoured and delighted to have been appointed as UQ’s next Vice-Chancellor, and looks forward to building on Professor Høj’s significant legacy in order to lead UQ through its next phase of development and impact.”
During Professor Terry’s time at Curtin, the university’s global reputation and rankings have significantly improved.
Mr Varghese added, “Curtin is now widely considered to be one of Australia’s rapidly rising universities and is ranked number one for graduate employment in Western Australia.
“Under Professor Terry’s leadership, the university continues to grow in scale and reach regionally and globally.
“It has opened a new medical school, a law centre and commenced work on a new innovation precinct,” he said.
Professor Peter Høj has generously agreed to stay on as Vice-Chancellor and President until Professor Terry joins UQ in August next year.
“Closer to the time we will have an opportunity to acknowledge Professor Høj’s outstanding leadership and achievements during his time at UQ,” said Mr Varghese.
Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 1120.