QUT Council has announced a number of key governance appointments, including the re-election of Chancellor Ann Sherry AO, the election of Karen Spiller OAM CF as Deputy Chancellor, and appointments to the University's new Indigenous Australian Committee.
Ms Sherry has served QUT as Chancellor since 2022, bringing a unique combination of strategic insight, governance expertise and a deep commitment to the role of universities in creating opportunity, driving innovation and contributing to Australia's future.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO said the University warmly welcomes the re-election of Ann Sherry for an additional five-year term from August 2027.
“At a time of significant opportunity for QUT, the University greatly values the continuity, energy, experience and perspective that Ann brings to the role and we are delighted she will continue to guide Council and provide excellent stewardship and governance of the University,” Professor Sheil said.
“Her extensive networks across business, government, industry and the community have been invaluable in advancing our strategic ambitions, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing QUT’s reputation and influence.”
QUT also welcomes the election of Karen Spiller as Deputy Chancellor. Mrs Spiller is a highly respected educational leader and experienced board director whose career has been distinguished by her commitment to educational excellence, strategic leadership and good governance.
As a member of Council since 2021, Mrs Spiller brings a deep understanding of QUT and commitment to the University which will be a valuable asset in supporting the work of Council and the Chancellor.
A member of QUT Council since 2021, Mrs Spiller is one of Australia's most respected education leaders with more than four decades of experience in education, governance and leadership. She served as Principal of John Paul College from 2018 to 2022 and Principal of St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School for 17 years. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she has held numerous board and leadership roles, including Chair of Independent Schools Queensland, National Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and President of the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 for service to education and women and continues to contribute to national education, governance and leadership initiatives.
QUT Council acknowledged the outstanding contribution of outgoing Deputy Chancellor Adjunct Professor Susan Rix AM and thanked her for her leadership, service and commitment during her term in the role. Professor Rix will continue to serve as a member of QUT Council.
Chancellor Ann Sherry AO said: “Susan Rix has served as Deputy Chancellor with distinction, bringing outstanding leadership, professionalism and wise counsel. Her financial and governance expertise, commitment to QUT and support during her term have been invaluable. On behalf of Council, I thank Susan for her exceptional service and am delighted that QUT will continue to benefit from her experience and insight as a Council member.”
QUT Council has also established a new Indigenous Australian Committee to strengthen governance oversight of Indigenous Australian policy and strategy and enhance Council engagement with the University's commitment to Indigenous Australians.
The committee is chaired by QUT Council member Mick Gooda, a proud Gangulu man from Central Queensland and longstanding leader in Indigenous affairs.
QUT Council has appointed Angela Young and David Williams as external members of the Indigenous Australian Committee.
Angela Young is a proud Kullalli/Koa woman and an accomplished leader in Indigenous health, policy and systems reform. Originally trained in law, she began her career as a government lawyer before building an extensive career across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing, employment, education and health. Currently a Director with Create Health Advisory, her work has focused on advancing culturally responsive, community-led policy development and reform and addressing the structural drivers of inequity through policy, strategy and system transformation.
David Williams is a proud Wakka Wakka man, QUT alumnus and experienced cultural and creative leader with a strong record of governance, strategic leadership and community engagement. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Indigenous-owned creative agency Gilimbaa, which has become nationally recognised for its work in strategic communication, design and Indigenous storytelling across government, corporate and cultural sectors. Mr Williams has also held advisory and governance roles with major cultural institutions and brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, cultural capability and Indigenous-led approaches to social, cultural and economic impact. He was recognised as QUT's Outstanding Indigenous Alumnus in 2022.
These appointments reflect QUT Council's commitment to strong governance, leadership excellence and advancing the University's strategic priorities through diverse expertise and perspectives.
Media contact: media@qut.edu.au
