Seven decades ago, on 1 February 1954, UNE separated from the University of Sydney to become Australia’s first independent regional university.
While UNE counts a number of high-profile individuals as founders, it was the visionary leadership of a singular man, Robert Bowden Madgwick, who shaped its identity and mission. Madgwick was an adult educator, public servant, and a university teacher and administrator. He served as UNE’s first Vice-Chancellor from 1954 to 1966 and during that time, with full backing of UNE’s first Chancellor Sir Earle Page KCMG QC, established UNE’s distinct identity as an institution dedicated to providing quality education and conducting relevant research in regional Australia.
Under Madgwick’s leadership, UNE pioneered teaching to external students by correspondence and thus led the way in distance education. Today, the University remains a leading institution in online learning in Australia, leveraging digital platforms to deliver courses and personalised support to a diverse student body.
Our platinum jubilee commemorates the ongoing influence of Madgwick and Earle Page, and former and current staff, students and supporters who picked up their vision and shaped it into our university.
Over the course of seven decades, UNE has built an outstanding reputation for providing quality education, particularly in the context of regional and remote equity and access
Similarly, our research has had a positive impact in many areas, reflecting UNE’s commitment to addressing the needs of regional communities.
Our alumni are central to this celebratory year. They are UNE ambassadors and role models in their communities and workplaces. By putting their university qualifications to work in the world, they are the best possible advertisement for the value of an UNE education.
In 2024, we are rolling out a variety of activities to celebrate our 70 years of excellence and to lay out the roadmap for the next 70 years. These activities will be aimed at strengthening old ties and forging new relationships
I cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate this grand occasion. Let us come together, over the course of 2024, to reflect on our rich history, honour the achievements of our alumni, and envision an even brighter future for UNE.
James Harris
Chancellor
University of New England
