Sandra McPhee named Southern Cross University’s new Chancellor

One of Australia’s leading business figures has been appointed Chancellor for Southern Cross University and will succeed Nick Burton who has headed the educational organisation since 2014.

NEW CHANCELLOR: One of Australia's leading business figures, Sandra McPhee AM, has been appointed Chancellor for Southern Cross University and will begin her tenure on July, 1, 2021.

One of Australia’s leading business figures, Sandra McPhee AM, has been appointed Chancellor for Southern Cross University.

On Thursday, May 27, SCU announced Ms McPhee would succeed outgoing Chancellor Nick Burton Taylor who has headed the University Council since 2014.

SCU said Ms McPhee had a long and successful history across multiple industries in Australia, including board roles at Tourism Australia, AGL Energy, Westfield, Perpetual, The Coles Group, Fairfax Media, Australia Post, South Australia Water and Kathmandu.

Ms McPhee AM would begin her term as Chancellor on July 1.

During her aviation executive career, most recently with Qantas Airways, she held a number of Group General Manager roles including Marketing, Global Alliances, Customer Loyalty and responsibility for UK, Europe and South East Asia Markets.

MsMcPhee said it was “an honour and privilege to take on the role of Chancellor of Southern Cross University, a University with a pioneering spirit, deeply connected with communities, that has a mission for impact that has placed students and communities at the centre of its future”.

“As Australia’s regions continue to respond and develop post-Covid, it has never been a more fundamental time for a university based in regional Australia to enjoin with community, government and industry to create the workforce of the future, as skills and capabilities drive the development of regions,” she said.

“This is a key element of Southern Cross University’s mission and one that I am excited to progress during my tenure as Chancellor.

“I look forward to working with the University Council, Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin and his executive team, and all the academic, research and professional staff at Southern Cross.”

Ms McPhee is currently Chair of NSW Public Service Commission Advisory Board, a non-executive director of St Vincent’s Health Australia and a member of the JP Morgan Advisory Council and Chief Executive Women.

In 2013, Ms McPhee AM was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business and to the community through leadership and advisory roles.

In 2018 she was appointed by the Commonwealth Government to Chair the Expert Panel Review of Employment Services.

The review advocated a user-centred redesign of the system in order to deliver better employment outcomes for jobseekers.

The resultant report I Want to Work – Employment Services 2020 was accepted by Government and recommendations are being progressively implemented.

Deputy Chancellor Murray D’Almeida chaired the council committee overseeing the search for a new Chancellor.

He said Ms McPhee AM was an exemplary leader with formidable experience across multiple industries and environments.

“Many would be aware of Sandra’s outstanding business achievements and credentials but she also has a compelling background in organisations such as Art Gallery of NSW, Care Australia and Starlight Children’s Foundation,” Mr D’Almeida said.

“We are delighted to have someone of such broad experience and insights to succeed Nick Burton Taylor AM, who has been an outstanding Chancellor.”