Professor Tim McKenry received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Excellence in recognition of his work as Chair of ACU's Academic Board.
Now in his second term, Professor McKenry has led ACU's TEQSA renewal of registration and driven improvements in teaching, research and service across the university.
A founding member of the university's AI council, he has undertaken reviews of the ACU's community engagement program and Core Curriculum and overseen improvements to the staff promotions process and student wellbeing and safety.
He was recognised for his empathetic leadership, collaborative problem-solving and his commitment to the sustained success and growth of the university.
Professor McKenry said it was an honour to receive the Medal for Excellence.
"I am grateful to ACU for the many opportunities to make a difference across the university," Professor McKenry said.
"The work I've been doing as Chair of the Academic Board has expanded my understanding of higher education, but it isn't just about compliance, policy and procedure.
"For me, the focus is always on how our students encounter the research and learning environment we create, and how staff understand their role in pursuing academic excellence."
"The most rewarding thing is connecting it all to our bigger vision, which is to enable flourishing lives."
Professor McKenry juggles his role as Chair of the Academic Board with his own work as a music researcher, composer and educator and he continues to teach a unit each semester in ACU's music sequence.
"Becoming Chair of Academic Board in 2020 during height of the pandemic immediately brought home the importance of good academic governance," Professor McKenry said.
"The uncertainty of that period tested our learning and teaching practices and in continuing to teach I've been able to appreciate the impacts of Academic Board's decision making. It's been incredibly valuable to experience both ends of the spectrum".
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