• Charles Sturt University joins Regional Universities Network
• Advocacy for regional issues a key priority
• RUN has a shared commitment to playing a transformative role in member regions

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) has announced it will join the Regional Universities Network (RUN) to join other members in advocating for regional universities, their students and communities.

Charles Sturt is the seventh member of the group working alongside current members CQUniversity, Federation University Australia, Southern Cross University, University of New England, University of Southern Queensland, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann, said that the time is right to join the network.

“Regional Australia is more important than ever before to the future of our country. We need to ensure that we have the education and research capability to take our communities forward to a positive future,” said Professor Vann.

“Providing a united approach to advocating for regional issues ensures we work together for the higher education interests of our respective regions.

“Each network university is unique, but we have common missions to provide quality higher education teaching, learning, research and engagement to solve uniquely regional issues.

At Charles Sturt, we are very much engaged in working together to get the right outcomes for regional Australia and for the nation as a whole.”

The Chair of RUN, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that she was delighted that Charles Sturt had decided to join the network.

“Another group member will add to our impact, and enrich our collaboration across teaching and learning, research and regional development,” Professor Bartlett said.

“All our members are headquartered in regional Australia, and have a shared commitment to playing a transformative role in their regions. A third of Australians live outside capitals, and regional universities have a vital role to play in contributing to national social cohesion – we change the lives of our students and are anchor institutions in our communities.

“Since its inception in 2012, RUN has played a role in getting some positive, policy initiatives for regional higher education, but we must continue to work to close the gap in university outcomes for regional Australians,” Professor Bartlett said.