Charles Sturt University (CSU) is mourning the death of its long-time Executive Director of Student Administration Mr Geoff Honey.

Mr Honey died suddenly on Sunday 8 May and will be remembered for the support he provided to colleagues and the contribution he made to the wider community.

He began working with CSU's predecessor institution, the Riverina College of Advanced Education, straight out of high school in 1982 as a junior clerk.

In his 34 years at the College and then at CSU, Mr Honey worked in student administration, the School of Commerce and the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.

He became Executive Director of Student Administration in 2003.

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Ken Dillon said, "Geoff was a long standing and highly respected member of staff and will be sorely missed.

"He oversaw transformative change, including the shift of student admissions from a largely manual and exclusively paper based exercise to an automated electronic process.

"The improvements to annual graduation ceremonies as celebrations of student success is another example of his leadership.

"Geoff has been an active contributor to professional areas both within the University, as a member of the Academic Senate and the University Course Planning Committee, and beyond including being a member of the board of the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) and the Heads of Student Administration (HOSA).

"As I have moved around the University and the community in the wake of this terrible event, the most common phrase used to describe Geoff is that he was a  'lovely bloke', someone who would provide support and assistance to his staff and whose advice and collegiality was highly valued by his peers and the Senior Executive Committee

"Many colleagues have pointed out their gratitude to Geoff for his years of support and contribution, especially in New South Wales, but also across the university sector from which condolences are pouring in.

"Our hearts go out to Geoff's wife Cheryl and to their family and friends. In addition to being a fine administrator, Geoff has made many significant contributions to the community, especially in sporting circles," Professor Dillon said.