Chancellor

Emeritus Professor Mary O'Kane AC

BSc Qld, PhD ANU, Hon DUniv CQU, Hon DSc Macq., Hon DUniv UC, Hon DSc UOW, Hon DSc WSU, Hon DSc Syd., Hon DUniv UniSQ, Hon DEd Newcastle, Hon DSc UNSW, FRSN, FTSE, HonFIEAust

Chancellor

Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane AC

Areas of responsibility

The Chancellor leads the University's governing body, the Senate.

Biography

Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane AC is the 15th Chancellor of The University of Queensland.

A highly regarded academic and industry leader, Professor O’Kane has played a central role in shaping the long-term vision for Australia’s higher education sector, serving as Chair of the Universities Accord process and Interim Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

Throughout her distinguished 45-year career, Professor O’Kane has demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement across business innovation, tertiary education, research and development, engineering and high technology, and energy.

Professor O’Kane is currently Executive Chairman of O’Kane Associates and Chair of the boards of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Business Events Sydney. She also Chairs several advisory boards, including the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania; the ARC Centre of Excellence in Antarctic Science; Sydney Health Partners, and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development R&D Advisory Board. In addition, she serves on the board of AusEnergy Services and the advisory board of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Her previous appointments include Chair of the NSW Independent Planning Commission (2018-2024), NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer (2008-2018) and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide (1996-2001). She was also the inaugural Chair of the Group of Eight, Australia’s peak body representing research-intensive universities.

A University of Queensland graduate who grew up in regional Queensland, Professor O’Kane is an advocate for creating more equitable access to higher education, reflecting UQ’s pledge to increase opportunities for students through The Queensland Commitment.

Speeches and articles

Read speeches and articles by the Chancellor across a range of topics.