Austin College is currently in its 38th year, and has provided accommodation for more than 5000 students since its opening in 1972. The College was named to honour the service to the University of Dr R.B. Austin, who was the Government Medical Officer in Armidale at the time of the College’s establishment.

Austin is the youngest of the seven residential colleges at the University of New England and offers accommodation for 280 residents and 8 Resident Fellows. Our reputation for being the ‘friendly and more informal’ UNE College began with our first Master, Dr Brian Seppelt. Dr Seppelt was replaced in 1977 by Dr Alan McKenzie, who has continued to build on these strong foundations. After 31 years as Master of Austin College, Dr McKenzie retired in 2008.

In 2009 Austin College gained a new master, David Ward, who was committed to maintaining the unique energy of Austin College established by Dr Seppelt and further moulded by the long contribution of Dr Alan McKenzie – an energy which is both relaxed, yet strongly supportive.

In 2010 Austin College welcomed Andrea Gledhill to the role of College Head and Mr Scott Musgrove to the role of Assistant Head of College.