Southern Cross awards Nick Burton Taylor honorary doctorate

Mr Burton Taylor has served the University as Chancellor since 2014 and worked across a number of industries in his long and distinguished business career.

UPDATE 26 June 2021: Mr Burton Taylor was conferred the award of Honorary Doctor of the University in person at the Coffs Harbour graduation ceremonies on Saturday June 26.

“I am both taken aback and grateful to receive such an honour from the very institution I have had the privilege of serving and championing for the last seven years,” Mr Burton Taylor said.

“As my time as Chancellor nears its natural conclusion I have pause to reflect on the achievements and momentum of Southern Cross University.”

The Chancellor said despite current conditions still being challenging, Southern Cross was now on the right trajectory to a strong and sustainable position.

“Seven years ago our independence was not a given. I have worked with some wonderful Council members and determined executives ensuring that Southern Cross University remains a powerful regional force in the eyes of the communities we work in and the students we serve.

“Our role in the regional communities of Northern Rivers, Coffs Coast and Gold Coast has great obligations but inherits from these communities a profound sense of engagement that sets us apart,” the Chancellor said.

Outgoing Chancellor Nick Burton Taylor AM (right) receives his Honorary Doctorate from Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin at the Coffs Harbour graduation ceremonies on June 26, 2021 (credit: Seen Australia).

Mr Burton Taylor became Chancellor on 26 September 2014.

He has close affiliations with rural Australia and, with his wife Julia, established The Country Education Foundation of Australia, an organisation that financially assists rural and regional students, and which has seen 6132 young Australians received grants and scholarships since established in Boorowa, NSW.

In 1998 he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business through the accountancy profession and to the rural community.

Nick is a Director of M.H. Premium Farms and Principal of Hillgrove Pastoral Company which produces beef, wool and grain from properties in New South Wales and North Queensland. He is also the Treasurer and Vice President of the conservation group Bush Heritage Australia. He is a past Chairman of Delta Agribusiness, The Australian Agricultural Company Limited, Airservices Australia, and Australian Topmaking Services Pty Ltd. He is a former Director of Rural Press, Graincorp Limited, Federal Airports Corporation, Sydney Airport Corporation, Hazelton Airlines and the Meat Research Corporation.

Nick started his career with Price Waterhouse Coopers before founding Hays Personnel Services in 1976, where he remained Managing Director until 1989.

He remains passionate about regional Australia and in particular the special challenges faced by young people living in regional areas and embarking on their education.

Media contact: Sharlene King, media office at Southern Cross University, 0429 661 349 or scumedia@scu.edu.au