THE University of New England has officially welcomed new Chancellor, Dr Sarah Pearson, at the first stand-alone Chancellor installation ceremony for the University in thirty years.

Dr Pearson was this week installed by Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, at an event attended by staff, students, indigenous leaders and dignitaries on the lawns of Booloominbah. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University as well as the head of the University’s Council.

Dr Pearson, who once taught Physics at UNE, has an impressive and diverse background in Australia and internationally in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, investment, economic development and industrial strategy.

She said was humbled to be appointed UNE’s 10th Chancellor.

“It’s a privilege to be walking alongside those who are changing the world through learning, teaching, research and powerful partnerships. People who care deeply about our communities, our regions, and the future of Australia,” she said.

“I believe that through our new vision and strategic plan, UNE is crucial to regional development, our future economies and way of life, global diplomacy, and – importantly to me – to ensuring that everyone gets a chance to contribute in our rapidly changing world.

“I think of UNE as the university of the universal opportunity. Across my work, I am constantly reminded of how giving people a go pays dividends, especially when they are from different backgrounds, with different world views.”

Dr Sarah Pearson and Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley (Image: Simon Scott).

She acknowledged UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran and local indigenous leaders.

“To Professor Moran: you are an inspiration, and I look forward to many years working together to achieve the dreams we have for UNE, our region and our nation.

“To the Anaiwan people, the first educators in this place, continue to inspire and guide our university through the wonderful Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Many thanks for the years you have poured into this special place and for all that you do to ensure we learn from your wisdom.”

UNE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Moran, said Dr Pearson was picking up the role of Chancellor at an important time for the University.

“She has been an academic, so she understands the work that continues to underpin the University’s success. Since leaving academia, Dr Pearson has invested her energy and enthusiasm across a variety of corporate and philanthropy roles. Her breadth of experience will be invaluable to UNE as we work over coming years to establish ourselves as the world’s best regional university,” he said.

“Dr Pearson is also deeply committed to contributing to the future prosperity of our regional areas. I look forward to working with the new Chancellor as our University explores how to reinterpret its past success for a challenging but opportunity-rich future.”

“We are extremely grateful to the last Chancellor, James Harris, for his decades of committed service to UNE. As James observed, the Higher Education environment is changing rapidly, and will continue to change, so we are delighted to find a new Chancellor with Dr Pearson’s qualities.”

Dr Pearson was appointed to the role in November last year.