Major leadership changes as Bond University chancellor replaced and Moreton Bay College principal leaves role

A long-serving principal unexpectedly announced they will leave the top job at the end of this year, while a Queensland university chancellor has retired, with a successor being appointed.

David Baxby, John Paul College in Daisy Hill graduate and Bond University 1994 alumni, has been announced as Bond University's ninth Chancellor. Photo: Supplied.

Bond University will have an alumnus as Chancellor for the first time in its 35 years, with a John Paul College old boy and Bond 1994 graduate to lead the university’s council.

In a double whammy of education leadership announcements on Friday, Moreton Bay College principal Janet Stewart will leave the top job at the end of 2024 after eight years.

In the tertiary sector, Bond University – with its campus on the Gold Coast – unveiled David Baxby, who grew up in Logan, as its ninth Chancellor.

The 50-year-old has held senior roles at Goldman Sachs Australia, Virgin Group, and Wesfarmers after graduating from Bond in 1994 with Bachelors in Commerce and Laws.

During his time at John Paul College in Daisy Hill, his Year 11 careers adviser told Mr Baxby that his marks weren’t good enough to attend university and he should consider a trade.

He put in “probably the hardest year of my life” in Year 12 and secured a half scholarship to attend Bond University.

David Baxby and his mother Nanette Carroll at his graduation from Bond University in 1994. David Baxby has been announced as Bond University's ninth Chancellor. Photo: Supplied.

“I’m in a unique position as Bond’s first alumnus Chancellor and I intend to enlist the support of the alumni community to continue to grow the university in all aspects,” Mr Baxby said.

“Bond’s mantra of ‘students first’ is something I have experienced first-hand and, in my professional experience, I have witnessed how this approach distinguishes our graduates.

“I am fortunate to have worked across a range of industries around the world and this experience has provided me with insights as to the future of work.”

Mr Baxby replaces Annabelle Bennett, an international jurist and former Federal Court judge, who retired from her role on Friday after serving the maximum eight-year term allowed.

Dr Bennett leaves as Bond’s longest-serving Chancellor, but will continue in her various other roles outside of the university.

Meanwhile, Moreton Bay College principal Janet Stewart will leave at the end of the year to take up a Deputy Head position at The University of Queensland’s Women’s College.

Mrs Stewart has been an educator for 35 years, including 27 years at Moreton Bay College. She started in 1997 as a Secondary English Teacher, going on to become a Head of House, Head of Students, and then taking over as Principal in 2017.

Moreton Bay College principal Janet Stewart will leave at the end of 2024 after eight years in the top job. Photo: Supplied

“It has not been an easy decision as my heart has very much been here at MBC since I was appointed at the end of 1996,” Mrs Stewart said.

“As an educator, I have known great change and I know change can be hard, but I have always been buoyed by the belief that the courage to embrace change takes you far and I am excited and filled with hope about this new direction.”

The recruitment for the next MBC principal has begun and the College expects to appoint a replacement in time to start at the beginning of the 2025 school year.