University Council
Southern Cross University is governed by a Council to which its Chief Executive Officer, the Vice-Chancellor, reports. Council is responsible for the oversight of the University's affairs. The major academic body providing advice to Council on academic matters is the Academic Board.
Southern Cross University is deeply connected with the regions we call home, with a distinctive mission that places students and communities at the centre of our future.
We are committed to developing a resilient, adaptive workforce well equipped to meet future challenges, seize opportunities and thrive.
There has never been a more critical time for us to work in concert with local communities, government and industry to create the knowledge and capabilities needed in our regions, the nation and around the world.
This collaboration is central to the purpose of Southern Cross University and one the University Council actively enables, while embracing our core values of collegiality and integrity.
Thank you for visiting the University Council webpages, where you will find comprehensive information about the University's structure, governance and legal framework.
On behalf of the Council of the University, I welcome you to the Southern Cross University community.
Sandra McPhee AM
Chancellor
How we are governed
The Council is chaired by the Chancellor and has 13 members, including the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of the Academic Board, two members appointed by the Minister, four members appointed by Council, three elected staff members and one elected student member.
The Council has overall responsibility to provide leadership, good governance and oversight of the University and are confirmed under the Act.
Southern Cross University Act 1993 Southern Cross University By-Law 2005 Standing Orders - Southern Cross University Council Council Charter Council, Boards and Committees ChartChancellor and Chair of Council - Sandra McPhee AM
As one of Australia’s leading business figures with a long and successful history across multiple industries, Sandra McPhee AM was elected by our Council as the fifth Chancellor of Southern Cross University, commencing on 1 July 2021.
Full profileMembers of the University Council
Official Members
- Chancellor and Chair of Council, Sandra McPhee AM
- Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Carlin
- Chair of Academic Board, Associate Professor Desiree Kozlowski
Appointed Members
- Deputy Chancellor and Deputy Chair of Council, Murray d'Almeida
- Jonathan Rourke
- Geoff Stalley
- Peter Lewis
Graduate of the University
Elected Members
Two Members of the Academic Staff
One Member of the Non-Academic Staff
One Student of the University
Contact Council
Mark Dixon
Director, Governance Services (General Counsel and University Secretary)
t: +61 2 6620 3454
Tracy Manning
Senior Governance Officer (Council Committees)
t: +61 2 6626 9191
Council Secretariat
Level 1, Rod Treyvaud Building
Lismore campus