Catriona Jackson is stepping down after seven and a half years of service, leaving a legacy of leadership in the Australian higher education sector.
Catriona Jackson is stepping down after seven and a half years of service, leaving a legacy of leadership in the Australian higher education sector.
Catriona Jackson, chief executive of Universities Australia, has announced her decision to resign, effective Dec. 22.
Her announcement comes after a tenure of seven and a half years with Universities Australia.
“The decision to resign the leadership of Universities Australia was not an easy one to make,” Jackson said in a statement.
“After seven and a half years at UA, including five as chief executive, it is time to hand the baton on, and the end of the Australian Universities Accord process is a good time to depart,” she added.
Continuing commitment to Australian universities
Jackson also said that she will continue to work within and around Australia’s esteemed universities.
She highlighted the pivotal role of universities as “precious national assets” that continuously strive to enhance the lives of every Australian, strengthening the nation and contributing to its success.
The chief executive also underscored her belief in the limitless opportunities an Australian university education can provide, and expressed gratitude to those who have collaborated with her in promoting and safeguarding the sector.
In her message, she extended her gratitude to UA officials she worked closely with, including Professors David Lloyd, John Dewar AO, Deborah Terry AO, Margaret Gardner AO, and Barney Glover AO.
Lloyd, chair of the board at Universities Australia, paid tribute to Jackson for her leadership.
“Catriona has been at the helm of UA since 2018 and, in that time, she has done an outstanding job of fostering an environment in which universities can deliver for the nation,” he said.
Lloyd described Jackson as a consummate professional and a principled advocate who represented Australia’s universities, highlighting their value to the nation and its policymakers. He acknowledged the challenges that come with the role and praised Jackson for her diligence and determination.
Lloyd also cited how, under Jackson’s leadership, the sector navigated through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for an additional $1 billion in research funding when it was most needed.
Moreover, Jackson’s tenure encompassed her pivotal role in the Australian Universities Accord, an initiative through which she has been lobbying for policies and funding arrangements that could sustain a thriving, diverse, and inclusive higher education sector.
“On behalf of Australia’s 39 comprehensive universities, I would like to express my complete gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Catriona for all she has done for higher education,” Lloyd said.
Universities Australia will soon initiate the search for a new chief executive to continue the organization’s mission of representing Australia’s universities.
