Torrens University appoints Michael Thawley AO as Chancellor
Michael Thawley AO has been appointed as the third Chancellor of Torrens University
After more than three years in the role, Mr Jim Varghese AM is stepping down as Torrens University’s second Chancellor.
“On behalf of the Governing Board of Torrens University, I would like to extend our appreciation to Jim Varghese for his leadership and counsel over the past three years, during which he and the Governing Board presided over an important period in which research mission and performance was strengthened, innovation realised especially with student- and industry-facing capabilities, and a period of significant government policy change,” said Dan Cockerell, President of Torrens University.
“Also on behalf of the Governing Board, I am delighted to announce Mr Michael Thawley AO as the third Chancellor of Torrens University,” said Mr Cockerell.
“Mr Thawley brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He has a deep commitment to education, serving as an independent non-Executive Director on the Board of Strategic Education Inc and the Governing Board of Torrens University, and previously as a Board Member of the Lowy Institute and an Advisor to the US Studies Centre.”
“His extensive background in diplomacy, governance, and leadership makes him an ideal choice to guide Torrens University into its second phase of growth and innovation,” said Mr Cockerell.
Michael Thawley has served as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (2014-2016) and as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America (2000-2005). He was the International Adviser to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard (1996-1999) and prior to this was Head of the International Division of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet following an extensive career in Australia’s foreign service including stints in embassies in Rome, Moscow and Tokyo.
Mr Thawley has a deep commitment to education, having served as a member of the US Studies Centre’s Board and its Council of Advisers, and as a board member of the Lowy Institute. Michael is also well-acquainted with Torrens University serving as an independent non-Executive Director of parent company Strategic Education, Inc., and as a member of the Torrens University Governing Board since December 2023. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Capital Research and Management Company and of Capital Strategy Research Inc.
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chancellor of Torrens University,” said Mr Thawley. “I look forward to working with Torrens University’s Governing Board, faculty, staff, and students to further Torrens University’s mission and drive positive change in higher education.”
About us:
As Australia’s fastest-growing university, Torrens University Australia brings a careers-focused and global perspective to Australian higher education. With around 21,000 students from 118+ countries, Torrens University boasts a credible industry-immersive difference for its students and strong research output. Offering high-quality, undergraduate, graduate, and specialised degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, Torrens University proudly delivers a wide-range of high-quality, undergraduate, graduate and specialised degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines at campuses in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, China and online.
Torrens University’s vision, “We champion the power of people to connect the world for good”, and its values of beginning and ending with people, being good, being creative and bold, and being global are at its core. The vision and values underpin the university and informs all the work done in our institutions. As a private higher education provider, Torrens University Australia is the only university in Australia and New Zealand, and one of four globally, to be a Certified B Corporation, meaning we are committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
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