Charles Darwin University (CDU) is pleased to appoint Jodie Duignan-George to the role of Associate Vice-Chancellor (AVC) United Kingdom as the first applications for the University's London-based degrees roll in.
Beginning in March 2026, Ms Duignan-George will be responsible for leading the strategic development, growth, and operations of the UK campus with a focus on building CDU's presence and partnerships, identifying unique business opportunities, and building a connection between the UK base and campuses across Australia.
Most recently, Ms Duignan-George served as the Associate Vice-President for Central Queensland University's North and Far North Queensland regions, where she has led the establishment and growth of the University's Cairns campus for more than a decade.
She said her experience of more than 20 years in the university sector would enable her to hit the ground running in the inaugural role.
"I thrive on opportunities that deliver positive outcomes, particularly for causes I'm passionate about. As a social scientist, I've long understood the transformative power of education and training, and I'm deeply curious about how access can be improved for maximum benefit—both for individuals and the communities they live in," Ms Duignan-George said.
"Working in London offers the chance to satisfy that intellectual curiosity while positioning CDU to find its niche and deliver maximum value to the education and training sector in the UK and beyond."
Ms Duignan-George said her new role represented an opportunity to shape a campus that is responsive, relevant, and impactful on a global scale.
"Having worked with Scott Bowman at two universities – CQUniversity and James Cook University – previously, I know the culture of innovation he fosters: one that keeps a university focused on delivering courses that meet the evolving needs of individuals, industry, and communities as we move further into the 21st century," she said.
CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman welcomed Ms Duignan-George to the University.
"Jodie's collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, and proven track record in creating inclusive, future-focused learning opportunities make her ideally suited to this role," he said.
"The establishment of CDU's UK presence represents an exciting chapter in our University's evolution.
"Jodie's appointment ensures we have the strategic leadership necessary to deliver on our vision of being the most connected university – courageous in the Northern Territory, Australia, and beyond."
