08 May 2023
UniSA Vice-Chancellor Professor David Lloyd has been nominated to serve as the next Chair of Universities Australia (UA), the peak body for the nation’s higher education sector.
Prof Lloyd will succeed current Chair and La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar, taking effect from 31 May.
The appointment coincides with his 10th anniversary as UniSA Vice-Chancellor this year. During this period he has overseen major infrastructure development and the launch of one of the largest online education curriculums in the country, and steered UniSA to become the highest ranked university in Australia for industry income.
Describing Prof Lloyd as “the right person to lead the university into the future,” Prof Dewar says UniSA’s Vice-Chancellor is “a powerful advocate for the sector in his own right.”
“David is well respected across the community and political spectrum. He is a collaborative and constructive leader who will serve Universities Australia well as it continues to advocate for policy reform to deliver the strong universities that all Australians benefit from.”
Prof Lloyd says he is delighted to be nominated for the role.
“Universities are vital to how Australia responds to shifts in domestic, economic and global landscapes,” Prof Lloyd says.
“Skill shortages, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and a new industrial revolution are changing the way we live and operate. We have no time to waste in preparing for these challenges, and universities have a critical role to play.
“More jobs in the future will require a degree and demand for research and development, to guide national priorities like the energy transition and AUKUS, is only growing.
“I would also like to thank Professor John Dewar for his leadership and direction through what has been a turbulent and complex time for the country. John has served the sector with distinction.”
Prof Lloyd says he is looking forward to working with Universities Australia’s executive team to maintain a strong voice with community, industry, and the government.
Educated in Dublin as a chemist specialising in computer-aided drug design, Prof Lloyd has considerable experience in higher education and research in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
He has served as a member of the South Australian Economic Development Board, is a past Chair of the Australian Technology Network Group of technology-focused universities and was previously appointed to the Australian Research Council’s Advisory Council.
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: 0434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
