48 University Deans in Australian Higher Education.

University deans shape the experience of learning, research and work across higher education. Their decisions influence academic direction, the student experience, partnerships, staff capability and the culture people meet every day.

This article brings together 48 university deans and executive deans across Australian higher education. The list spans faculties, schools and colleges across a range of disciplines, with each person supported by an official university leadership, faculty or appointment source.

The names are presented in the sequence of the evidence register so the list is easy to check and revisit. Last updated: 10 August 2026.

For further reading, see leadership team development, the Working Genius implementation guide, and the senior leadership development programme.

Why university deans matter.

University deans work where academic purpose meets everyday organisational life. They help set direction, make choices about capability and quality, and create the conditions in which staff and students can do meaningful work.

The role looks different across faculties, schools and colleges, but the leadership challenge is familiar. People need a clear sense of purpose, useful systems, fair expectations and a connection between the work in front of them and the institution's wider contribution.

1. Paul Andon.

Paul Andon is Dean of UNSW Business School. UNSW identifies Paul Andon as Dean of UNSW Business School and describes his leadership across education reform and industry engagement.

For leaders outside higher education, Paul's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

2. Cheryl Jones.

Cheryl Jones is Dean of UNSW Medicine and Health. UNSW lists Cheryl Jones as Dean of Medicine and Health within its university leadership team.

For leaders outside higher education, Cheryl's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

3. Andrew Lynch.

Andrew Lynch is Dean of UNSW Law and Justice. UNSW lists Andrew Lynch as Dean of the Faculty of Law and Justice in its university leadership team.

For leaders outside higher education, Andrew's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

4. Claire Annesley.

Claire Annesley is Dean of UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture. UNSW describes Claire Annesley as the founding Dean of Arts, Design and Architecture.

For leaders outside higher education, Claire's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

5. Julien Epps.

Julien Epps is Dean of UNSW Engineering. UNSW announced Julien Epps as the incoming Dean of Engineering and connected the role with research, education and entrepreneurship.

For leaders outside higher education, Julien's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

6. Sven Rogge.

Sven Rogge is Dean of UNSW Science. UNSW Science lists Sven Rogge as Dean and describes the faculty leadership team around research and education.

For leaders outside higher education, Sven's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

7. Lisa Adkins.

Lisa Adkins is Dean of University of Sydney Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The University of Sydney identifies Lisa Adkins as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

For leaders outside higher education, Lisa's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

8. Hesham El Gamal.

Hesham El Gamal is Dean of University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering. The University of Sydney identifies Hesham El Gamal as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

For leaders outside higher education, Hesham's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

9. Fleur Johns.

Fleur Johns is Dean and Head of School of University of Sydney Law School. The University of Sydney identifies Fleur Johns as Dean and Head of School of Sydney Law School.

For leaders outside higher education, Fleur's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

10. John Prins.

John Prins is Dean of University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health. The University of Sydney identifies John Prins as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

For leaders outside higher education, John's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

11. Marcel Dinger.

Marcel Dinger is Dean of University of Sydney Faculty of Science. The University of Sydney identifies Marcel Dinger as Dean of Science.

For leaders outside higher education, Marcel's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

12. Leisa Sargent.

Leisa Sargent is Dean of University of Sydney Business School. The University of Sydney profile identifies Leisa Sargent as Dean of the University of Sydney Business School.

For leaders outside higher education, Leisa's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

13. Serge da Motta Veiga.

Serge da Motta Veiga is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Business and Economics. The University of Melbourne announced Serge da Motta Veiga as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, commencing in June 2026.

For leaders outside higher education, Serge's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

14. Jenny George.

Jenny George is Dean of Melbourne Business School. The University of Melbourne identifies Jenny George as Dean of Melbourne Business School and Co-Dean of Business and Economics.

For leaders outside higher education, Jenny's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

15. Moira O'Bryan.

Moira O'Bryan is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Science. The University of Melbourne identifies Moira O'Bryan as Dean of Science.

For leaders outside higher education, Moira's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

16. Michelle Foster.

Michelle Foster is Dean of Melbourne Law School. The University of Melbourne lists Michelle Foster as Dean of Melbourne Law School in its executive terms of reference.

For leaders outside higher education, Michelle's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

17. Thas Nirmalathas.

Thas Nirmalathas is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. The University of Melbourne lists Thas Nirmalathas as Dean of Engineering and Information Technology.

For leaders outside higher education, Thas's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

18. Marie Sierra.

Marie Sierra is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. The University of Melbourne lists Marie Sierra as Dean of Fine Arts and Music.

For leaders outside higher education, Marie's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

19. Marek Tesar.

Marek Tesar is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Education. The University of Melbourne lists Marek Tesar as Dean of Education.

For leaders outside higher education, Marek's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

20. Jennifer Balint.

Jennifer Balint is Dean of University of Melbourne Faculty of Arts. The University of Melbourne lists Jennifer Balint as Dean of Arts.

For leaders outside higher education, Jennifer's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

21. Mel Dodd.

Mel Dodd is Dean of Monash Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. Monash University lists Mel Dodd as Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.

For leaders outside higher education, Mel's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

22. Katie Stevenson.

Katie Stevenson is Dean of Monash Faculty of Arts. Monash University lists Katie Stevenson as Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

For leaders outside higher education, Katie's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

23. Simon Wilkie.

Simon Wilkie is Dean of Monash Faculty of Business and Economics. Monash University lists Simon Wilkie as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics.

For leaders outside higher education, Simon's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

24. Mary Ryan.

Mary Ryan is Dean of Monash Faculty of Education. Monash Education identifies Mary Ryan as Dean of the Faculty of Education.

For leaders outside higher education, Mary's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

25. Yiannis Ventikos.

Yiannis Ventikos is Dean of Monash Faculty of Engineering. Monash University lists Yiannis Ventikos as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

For leaders outside higher education, Yiannis's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

26. Ian Burnett.

Ian Burnett is Interim Dean of Monash Faculty of Information Technology. Monash University lists Ian Burnett as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology.

For leaders outside higher education, Ian's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

27. Steven Vaughan.

Steven Vaughan is Dean of Monash Faculty of Law. Monash University lists Steven Vaughan as Dean of the Faculty of Law.

For leaders outside higher education, Steven's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

28. Christina Mitchell.

Christina Mitchell is Dean of Monash Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Monash Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences identifies Christina Mitchell as Executive Dean.

For leaders outside higher education, Christina's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

29. Arthur Christopoulos.

Arthur Christopoulos is Dean of Monash Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Monash University lists Arthur Christopoulos as Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

For leaders outside higher education, Arthur's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

30. Jordan Nash.

Jordan Nash is Dean of Monash Faculty of Science. Monash University lists Jordan Nash as Dean of the Faculty of Science.

For leaders outside higher education, Jordan's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

31. Sharon Christensen.

Sharon Christensen is Executive Dean of QUT Faculty of Business and Law. QUT lists Sharon Christensen as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law.

For leaders outside higher education, Sharon's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

32. Lori Lockyer.

Lori Lockyer is Executive Dean of QUT Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice. QUT lists Lori Lockyer as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice.

For leaders outside higher education, Lori's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

33. Patsy Yates.

Patsy Yates is Executive Dean of QUT Faculty of Health. QUT lists Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health.

For leaders outside higher education, Patsy's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

34. Troy Farrell.

Troy Farrell is Executive Dean of QUT Faculty of Science. QUT lists Troy Farrell as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science.

For leaders outside higher education, Troy's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

35. Bronwyn Parry.

Bronwyn Parry is Dean of ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences. ANU lists Bronwyn Parry as Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

For leaders outside higher education, Bronwyn's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

36. Helen Sullivan.

Helen Sullivan is Dean of ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. ANU College of Asia and the Pacific identifies Helen Sullivan as its Dean.

For leaders outside higher education, Helen's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

37. Steven Roberts.

Steven Roberts is Dean of ANU College of Business and Economics. ANU lists Steven Roberts as Dean of the College of Business and Economics.

For leaders outside higher education, Steven's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

38. Anthony Connolly.

Anthony Connolly is Dean of ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy. ANU identifies Anthony Connolly as Dean of the College of Law, Governance and Policy.

For leaders outside higher education, Anthony's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

39. Kiaran Kirk.

Kiaran Kirk is Dean of ANU College of Science and Medicine. ANU lists Kiaran Kirk as Dean of the College of Science and Medicine.

For leaders outside higher education, Kiaran's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

40. Aaron Quigley.

Aaron Quigley is Dean of ANU College of Systems and Society. ANU announced Aaron Quigley as Dean of the College of Systems and Society from January 2026.

For leaders outside higher education, Aaron's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

41. Andrew Griffiths.

Andrew Griffiths is Executive Dean of UQ Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. The University of Queensland identifies Andrew Griffiths as Executive Dean of Business, Economics and Law.

For leaders outside higher education, Andrew's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

42. Heather Zwicker.

Heather Zwicker is Executive Dean of UQ Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The University of Queensland identifies Heather Zwicker as Executive Dean of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

For leaders outside higher education, Heather's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

43. Simon Tormey.

Simon Tormey is Executive Dean of Deakin Faculty of Arts and Education. Deakin University identifies Simon Tormey as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education.

For leaders outside higher education, Simon's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

44. Jenni Lightowlers.

Jenni Lightowlers is Executive Dean of Deakin Faculty of Business and Law. Deakin University identifies Jenni Lightowlers as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law.

For leaders outside higher education, Jenni's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

45. Rachel Huxley.

Rachel Huxley is Executive Dean of Deakin Faculty of Health. Deakin University identifies Rachel Huxley as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health.

For leaders outside higher education, Rachel's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

46. Nick Birbilis.

Nick Birbilis is Executive Dean of Deakin Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. Deakin University identifies Nick Birbilis as Executive Dean of Science, Engineering and Built Environment.

For leaders outside higher education, Nick's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

47. Chris Dixon.

Chris Dixon is Executive Dean of Macquarie Faculty of Arts. Macquarie University identifies Chris Dixon as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

For leaders outside higher education, Chris's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.

48. Leonie Tickle.

Leonie Tickle is Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School. Macquarie University lists Leonie Tickle as Executive Dean of Macquarie Business School.

For leaders outside higher education, Leonie's work is a useful reminder that culture is shaped through everyday choices about clarity, capability, belonging and the experience people have of an institution. A large academic community still needs simple priorities, sound judgement and leaders who help people understand how their work contributes.