Professor Glover was elected unopposed and will take up his new position on 19 May 2015. A seasoned academic leader with broad ranging experience across the university sector, Professor Glover holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics. He is also active in business and academic leadership through membership of boards including the Business Higher Education Round Table.

Educated at the University of Melbourne, Professor Glover held executive positions at an Australian Technology Network university, two Innovative Research Universities and started his career in a regional university in Victoria, now part of the Regional Universities Network.

“Professor Glover will make an outstanding Chair of Universities Australia. In his career Professor Glover has demonstrated a deep knowledge and executive leadership role in research and a passionate commitment to encouraging broader participation in higher education,” said Professor Harding as she congratulated her successor.

“Indeed the University of Western Sydney is something of a microcosm of contemporary Australia with its hallmark diversity, inclusiveness and determined aspiration to improve the world. Professor Glover has been very much a part of that thrilling progression to wider participation in higher education, of which we are all proud”, Professor Harding said.

Professor Glover thanked Professor Harding for her inspired leadership of Universities Australia over the past two years at a time of unprecedented change in higher education policy.

“As UA Chair, Sandra has displayed determined advocacy, leadership and an unswerving commitment to the strong ideals of the sector to serve students and contribute to economic and social progress.

“She has presided over UA at a time when there have been cuts in public investment announced by governments and the plan to deregulate university fees. As Co-Vice Chair of the New Colombo Plan Reference Group and a member of the Australia China Council Board she has driven deeper international engagement benefiting students, universities, researchers and the nation. Under her leadership UA has been able to overturn the proposed plan to cap self-education tax rebates and to lift awareness of the benefits of university education and research including research infrastructure. Through her unflagging determination to fully consult her colleagues at all times, she has ensured UA has built a strong platform of respect, leadership and advocacy.

“I am looking forward to building on her hard work and achievements”, Professor Glover said.