Universities Australia Chair Professor Barney Glover welcomed new and returning directors and thanked the outgoing board members for their contributions to Universities Australia.

Professor Margaret Gardner (Monash University) has been returned for another term and will be joined on the board by Professors John Dewar (La Trobe University), Jan Thomas (University of Southern Queensland) and Andrew Vann (Charles Sturt University).

Professors Jane den Hollander (Deakin University), Peter Lee FTSE (Southern Cross University) and Ian O’Connor (Griffith University) have now completed their terms.

Professor Glover said he looked forward to working with the new board as Universities Australia continues to make the case that a strong university sector benefits everyone.

“I offer a warm welcome to the new members of the board. Their expertise and experience will be of great benefit to the work of Universities Australia,” he said.

“I would also like to thank those moving on from the board for the skill, energy, time and care they have brought to their roles as directors.”

Professor Dewar said it was an important time to be stepping on to the board. “I want to help ensure that Australia’s universities continue to have a clear and strong voice about the value and benefits of higher education for Australia,” he said.

Professor Jan Thomas said she would focus on a strong university sector – and the importance of universities in regional communities and regional economies. “Universities are critical to transforming the economy and ensuring Australia is internationally competitive,” she said.

Professor Andrew Vann said he was delighted to be joining the board at this time. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues as we navigate the terrain ahead and reinforce the case that a strong university sector is critical to the future of Australia,” he said.

During her five years on the board, Professor Jane den Hollander served a term as Deputy Chair of Universities Australia, contributed significantly to policy development and served on the Higher Education Conference steering committee. She was also Universities Australia’s Lead Vice-Chancellor – Academic.

Professor Ian O’Connor chaired the steering committee for the 2016 Universities Australia Higher Education Conference, which has become the flagship annual event for the sector and now attracts almost 900 delegates. He was also Universities Australia’s Lead Vice-Chancellor – Workforce Development.

Professor Peter Lee FTSE has served as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for several years, was Universities Australia’s Lead Vice-Chancellor – Corporate and former Lead Vice-Chancellor – Indigenous. He is a director on the board of Universities Australia’s wholly-owned subsidiary company, Higher Ed Services.

For a full list of the new board of directors visit the Universities Australia website.