11 July 2023: The University of Canberra to welcome Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM as Chancellor of the University in January 2024.
The University of Canberra Council has appointed prominent policymaker and social justice advocate and advisor, Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM as Chancellor of the university. Her appointment will come into effect in January 2024.
“I am so excited to be joining the University of Canberra as Chancellor, and to support the leadership in pursuing the ambitions set out in the decadal strategy, Connected,” said Ms Paul.
“For me it is a natural fit as the university’s values are so closely aligned to my personal commitments to social justice, inclusion and accessibility.”
“Lisa has had an impressive career in education. This, coupled with her passionate belief in diversity and commitment to social justice will bring a fresh perspective and depth of understanding to UC. This is critical as we implement our decadal strategy, Connected, and continue to pursue our connection to Canberra,” said Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra.
Ms Paul has lived and worked in Canberra since leaving school. “I love Canberra as a place to live and work,” she said. ““The University of Canberra is truly the Canberra community’s University, and we should all be proud of its many achievements.”
At the same time, the University will farewell long-standing and highly respected Chancellor of the past ten years, Prof Tom Calma AO at the end of 2023. Professor Calma is the sixth Chancellor of the University of Canberra and has served on the institution’s Council for 15 years.
“It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Chancellor of the University of Canberra, and I look back on my time with much fondness and pride,” said Professor Calma.
“I am encouraged by the ambitions set out in Connected and know that the leadership will demonstrate great courage and strength as they work towards impacting future generations through the delivery of tertiary education with excellence.”
“Professor Calma has made a significant contribution to the University. He has been instrumental in leading the institution through many opportunities and challenges while Chancellor,” said Professor Nixon.
“He has contributed to immersing the University in the Canberra community with a very strong and considered focus on our adoption of Indigenous ways across the institution.”
"It is a great privilege to walk in the footsteps of Professor Tom Calma, Australia's first Aboriginal Chancellor, the Academy of Science's first Aboriginal Fellow and Senior Australian of the Year," said Ms Paul.
"Tom leaves a great legacy and I am thrilled to be joining a university where everyone is invited to walk together to change the world and to embrace indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing."
About Ms Paul:
Recognised as the longest-standing Secretary of Education in Australia, Ms Paul worked with five Prime Ministers and nine Cabinet Ministers between 2004 and 2016.
Ms Paul is currently Co-Chair of an Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Deputy Chair of a Review in the education portfolio to advise targets and reforms for the next national schools funding agreements. She has also led or been part of other reviews for State education departments, and federally in the Defence and Education portfolios.