Former Southern Cross vice chancellor appointed to Canberra’s regional education committee

Professor Lee was the Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University for seven years from 2009 to 2016. He also concurrently served a two-year term as chair of the Regional Universities Network.

The Expert Regional Education Advisory Group will inform the National Regional, Rural and Remote Higher Education Strategy announced by the Minister for Education Dan Tehan.

Mr Ben Roche, Vice President (Engagement) at Southern Cross University, said Professor Lee’s appointment was exciting and well-deserved.

“Professor Lee’s knowledge of rural and regional education and deep commitment to inclusiveness and access for regional communities bolsters the credentials of the advisory group.

“Of his many achievements at Southern Cross, Peter established SCU College, a flagship pathways college which continues to provide students from regional areas with even greater access to higher education.”

Professor Lee joins Ms Caroline Graham, Regional Skills Training CEO and Ms Meredith Wills, former Geraldton Universities Centre Director, on the advisory group which is chaired by The Hon Dr Denis Napthine.

As chair of the Regional Universities Network (2013-2015), Professor Lee enhanced RUN’s position as a key and influential university lobby group charged with raising the profile of regional tertiary education and providing policy advice to government. During his tenure, RUN established collaboration across its member network in the teaching and learning of languages and creative and performing arts; secured a $1m grant under the Office of Learning and Teaching’s Enhancing the Training of Maths and Science Teachers program for the project It’s part of my life: engaging university and community to enhance science and mathematics education; and facilitated RUN delegations to the Republic of Korea and Vietnam at the invitation of the respective governments to enhance RUN’s collaboration with regional and other universities in those nations.

“Peter was one of RUN’s founding vice chancellors when the group formed in 2011 and certainly when he took over as chair in 2013 he continued the work to strengthen and promote the contributions of regional universities to the economic, entrepreneurial and social development of Australia,” Mr Roche said.

“In just a short time, RUN has gained the attention of decision makers in Canberra. Peter will work hard to ensure the Expert Regional Education Advisory Group provides valuable insight to the federal government to strengthen the opportunities for Australians living in regional areas.

“We congratulate Peter on this appointment and wish him well.”