Professor Geraldine Mackenzie to help lead USQ until 2025

The University of Southern Queensland Vice Chancellor said she was honoured and humbled to be reappointed to the position for another four years.

UNI LEADER: Professor Geraldine Mackenzie will continue as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland until 2025. Photo: USQ Photography

Professor Geraldine Mackenzie has been reappointed for another four years as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland.

Chancellor John Dornbusch announced that the University Council had extended Prof Mackenzie’s contract to 2025 at a press conference today.

Mr Dornbusch said Prof Mackenzie had shown outstanding commitment to the university and its communities, particularly through a global pandemic.

“I am delighted to make this announcement today, in recognition of the outstanding leadership Professor Mackenzie has provided in her first term,” Mr Dornbusch said.

“She has been a steady hand at the helm through turbulent times, all while continuing to provide a bold vision for our future.

“Professor Mackenzie’s reappointment will provide the university with strong, consistent leadership as it navigates what is likely to continue to be a challenging period for Australian higher education.

“I’m proud to say that despite the challenges the sector – and the world – is facing, USQ has maintained a strong financial position and only strengthened its reputation.”

Prior to joining USQ in 2017, Prof Mackenzie held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University, had served in senior leadership roles at Bond University, and was Foundation Head of the University of Southern Queensland School of Law after a long career at QUT.

Prof Mackenzie said she was honoured and humbled to continue as Vice-Chancellor.

“It is a credit to our staff that during such uncertain times we continue to provide high quality and responsive teaching, flexible learning options, excellence in research, and genuine engagement with the communities we serve,” Prof Mackenzie said.

“On my first day as Vice-Chancellor in 2017, I committed to shaping USQ as a leading regional university: innovative and forward-thinking, and responsive to industry, business and community needs.

“Today I am recommitting to continuing to provide the best environment for our staff and our students to thrive, and to working with council and our senior leadership team to deliver a strategic vision for the future, which is more important than ever.

“With a focus on excellence, we will continue to champion innovative, connected forward thinking that translates ideas into knowledge and opportunities for students, community, and industry at home and abroad.”

Prof Mackenzie’s second term commences September 2021.