Vice Chancellor Geraldine Mackenzie steps down

After almost a decade in the top job, one of Queensland’s largest universities has had a major leadership change after facing scrutiny from the union.

Professor Geraldine Mackenzie will retire early from her role as the University of Southern Queensland’s Vice Chancellor. Picture: Christine Schindler

 

University of Southern Queensland Vice Chancellor Geraldine Mackenzie has retired early from her leadership position just days after 170 staff passed a motion of no confidence in her and her executive team.

Chancellor John Dornbusch made the announcement to staff on Monday via a university-wide email.

Last week’s no confidence vote was organised by the UniSQ branch of the National Tertiary Education Union. The university has more than 1400 staff, and only 170 were at the union meeting

Provost Karen Nelson has been appointed as an interim replacement.

“Following a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie has advised me of her retirement,” Chancellor Dornbusch said.

“While Professor Mackenzie had intended to take an extended period of leave during 2025, following a recent period of leave, she has decided to bring forward her retirement plans to spend more time with her husband and extended family in Brisbane.

“As Vice-Chancellor over the past seven years, Professor Mackenzie has led the university to deliver a number of key achievements, particularly the acceleration of a our research performance, including the $180 million iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, the launch of a new flexible academic calendar, and a suite of high demand allied health programs.”

Professor Mackenzie has held the VC position since 2017. Prior to that she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University and held senior executive positions at Bond University including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Community Engagement), and Executive Dean, Faculty of Law.

The announcement comes at a difficult time for the university as it grapples with declining international student numbers.

About 60 jobs have been identified for redundancy with 27 staff already offered pre-retirement packages to leave early.

Professor Nelson has been elevated to the role of Acting-Vice Chancellor effective immediately while Professor Mackenzie’s final act as Vice-Chancellor will be to host a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

Professor Mackenzie said it was a privilege to lead such a dedicated community.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, particularly in strengthening UniSQ’s research and academic offerings, which have positioned us as a leader in key areas like allied health and space innovation,” she said.

“Research in our key flagship areas of space and defence, agriculture, health, and regional development has a significant impact across the world, while our graduates earn the highest median starting salary in the country.

“Guiding UniSQ through the pandemic was a true test of resilience and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and the broader University community.

“The University of Southern Queensland is a special place, and I look forward to watching it thrive in the years ahead.”