Luke Sheehy appointed CEO of Universities Australia
Universities Australia has chosen Luke Sheehy as its next CEO to replace Catriona Jackson.
Universities Australia has named Luke Sheehy as its next chief executive, who will begin leading the 3- member university peak body from February 7 next year.
Mr Sheehy, who has been executive director of a smaller university group, the Australian Technology Network, for nearly five years, has spent over 20 years working in higher education, including as an education and strategy consultant to the Asian Development Bank, in senior management roles at Swinburne University, and as an adviser to Labor MP Tanya Plibersek when she was Opposition education spokeswoman.
Universities Australia chair David Lloyd said Mr Sheehy has a strong track record of working across the political aisle and with industry bodies to advocate for universities.
“His skills and knowledge will be of immense benefit to UA as we continue to work with government to foster an environment in which universities can continue delivering for the nation,” Professor Lloyd said.
Mr Sheehy will begin the role just as federal Education Minister Jason Clare releases the final report of the Universities Accord review, which aims to reshape higher education policy to create skilled job opportunities for more Australians.
“Australia’s success is intrinsically linked to a strong pipeline of skills delivered by our world-class universities. With 2024 set to be a year of big reform, I will bring the energy and enthusiasm necessary to ensure we come up with meaningful change and advance the interests of UA’s members,” Mr Sheehy said.
He said he brought a “deep passion” for higher education.
“As the first member of my family to graduate from university, I know first-hand the power of education to transform lives and I am driven to ensure that opportunity is provided to as many people as possible,” he said.
Mr Sheehy replaces Catriona Jackson who this week concludes a five-year period as Universities Australia CEO. Professor Lloyd said she had done an “outstanding job” leading the organisation and left it in a strong position.
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