Simon Biggs is the next vice-chancellor of James Cook Uni

James Cook University has appointed Simon Biggs, the number two at the University of Western Australia, as its next vice-chancellor

Simon Biggs is the incoming vice-chancellor of James Cook University.

James Cook University has appointed Simon Biggs, currently the number two executive at the University of Western Australia, as its next vice-chancellor.

Chancellor Bill Tweddell said that Professor Biggs, would “provide strong leadership for JCU during a time of great opportunity and challenge for the university sector”.

He said Professor Biggs had “the combination of professional skills and personal attributes to be a great leader to take JCU into the next phase of its development”.

Professor Biggs, a chemist and specialists in colloid science and particle dispersion who is currently senior deputy vice-chancellor at UWA, said he was looking forward to building on JCU’s strong reputation as a provider of world class education and research.

“I’m really excited about the opportunities to lead the university in its next phase of development,” he said.

“I am also motivated by the possibilities that JCU’s presence in Singapore provides to continue to have a significant impact across the tropics.”

Sandra Harding

Mr Tweddell said Professor Biggs would bring to JCU his broad range of experience in Australia and overseas. Prior to joining UWA he was executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and IT at the University of Queensland, and he has held positions at the University of Newcastle, the University of Melbourne and the University of Leeds in the UK.

Professor Biggs will start his new role in February 2022. He replaces Sandra Harding who will retire in December after nearly 15 years leading JCU.

Mr Tweddell said Professor Harding had made an enormous contribution to JCU and would leave a remarkable legacy.

During her vice-chancellorship Professor Harding has seen JCU’s annual revenue double to over $550m a year and the university more deeply recognise First Nations people by adopting a reconciliation statement. It also renamed its campus library in Townsville, the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library.

She also oversaw a nearly fourfold increase in the size of the JCU Singapore campus, which now has over 3700 students and earned Singapore’s highest level of quality assurance.

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