• Charles Sturt celebrates milestones in research, student enrolments and graduations in 2025
• The University Council announces Professor Renée Leon’s term as Vice-Chancellor has been extended until September 2029
• The University will also farewell Dr Saranne Cooke as Deputy Chancellor, welcoming Dr Kate Cornick

Charles Sturt University is recognising its milestones in research, student enrolments and graduate employment for 2025 as the University’s Council announces new and continuing leadership appointments to ensure future success for staff and students.

Charles Sturt continues to show why it is Australia’s leading regional university by retaining the number one rank of public universities for full-time graduate employment.

Enrolments have increased in 2025 and according to the latest QILT Student Experience Survey, Charles Sturt rose from 20th to 5th position for overall student satisfaction leading to an increase of 4.6 per cent of students continuing their studies.

Charles Sturt became the Australian higher education leader in First Nations enrolments and completions.

University researchers delivered real-world solutions, breaking new ground in agriculture, artificial intelligence and health, from pioneering stem cell therapies for knee osteoarthritis to multi-million dollar projects to help farmers with crop protection and drought resilience.

The University launched the Children’s Voices Centre and congratulated the first cohort of graduates from the Joint Program in Medicine, providing 38 new doctors, most of whom will commence their essential work in Australia’s regions.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the focus for 2026 remains on delivering for the University’s students and the regions it serves.

“We’ll continue to broaden access to world-class education for students from all backgrounds, deliver research that addresses the most pressing challenges facing regional communities and advocate strongly for regional education,” she said.

The University Council has also announced that Professor Leon’s term as Vice-Chancellor has been extended until September 2029.

Charles Sturt Chancellor, Dr Michele Allan, AO, said the University has achieved significant progress towards its teaching, research and community engagement goals under Professor Leon’s leadership.

“The extension of Professor Leon’s contract ensures the strength and continuity in the University’s leadership as we continue to advance our mission in regional education and research,” Dr Allan said.

Other changes include the departure of Dr Saranne Cooke as Deputy Chancellor after 12 years of distinguished service.

Dr Kate Cornick will be welcomed as the new Deputy Chancellor. Dr Cornick is currently the CEO at LaunchVic and is leading venture capital funds supporting women founders and AgTech startups. She has a background in technology innovation and change management and degrees in optical telecommunication, engineering and science.

Dr Allan will conclude her 12-year tenure in December 2026. Her contributions have strengthened both the Council and the University’s direction and impact. The Chancellor Search Committee has begun the search for the next Chancellor.