Professor Terry — one of the current UA Deputy Chairs — will succeed Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO in the role from May 21.

Professor Gardner said Professor Terry was a longstanding UA board director with a strong understanding of the important public mission of Australia’s universities.

“Debbie will bring deep expertise, wise leadership and an excellent understanding of the sector to this role,” Professor Gardner said.

Professor Terry thanked Professor Gardner for her strong leadership over the past two years.

“Margaret has delivered a series of major initiatives and achievements on behalf of the sector and brought great energy to her leadership as UA Chair,” she said.

“She has led the sector’s strong stand against cuts to Government funding, overseen two powerful sector-wide campaigns — #StopUniCuts and #UniResearchChangesLives, launched major initiatives such as Clever Collaborations, and guided the sector on numerous policy processes.”

“She has also led on the sector-wide Respect. Now. Always. initiative to prevent sexual assault across society, delivering a powerful legacy for our nation and the world.”

Professor Terry said she was honoured to lead the organisation.

“It’s a deep honour to be able to give voice to the profound role of Australia’s universities to change the lives of individuals, communities and nations,” she said.

“Through teaching and inspiring the next generation, and forging research breakthroughs that change knowledge forever, universities are central to our future prosperity”

“I’m delighted to build on Margaret’s strong legacy and to pick up seamlessly in our advocacy to the Australian public, decision makers, and community leaders.”

Professor Deborah Terry has been a member of the UA Board since 2015 and has served as Deputy Chair for the past two years.

She is a Fellow and past President of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, a member of the Advisory Council of the Australian Research Council (ARC) and has previously chaired both the Australian Council of Learned Academies and the ARC’s College of Experts in the Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences.