The University of New England has announced the resignation of Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson after just 18 months in the role.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, UNE said Dr Pearson had decided to step down to for family reasons.
“It is with sadness that the University of New England announces the resignation of Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson.”
“Dr Pearson has made the decision to step down to focus on her family at a difficult time, and the University respects and supports her fully in this choice.”
Deputy Chancellor David van Aanholt will serve as Acting Chancellor while a recruitment process is undertaken.
The Chancellor is both the ceremonial head of the University and the head of the University Council.
Dr Pearson was appointed to the role in November 2024 and was formally installed by the Governor of New South Wales, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, at a ceremony just one year ago in May 2025.
UNE thanked Dr Pearson for her leadership, integrity and care for the University, and wished her and her family well.
Dr Pearson has an extensive background in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, economic development and industrial strategy in Australia and internationally.
Before becoming Chancellor, she held senior leadership roles across higher education, industry and government. These included Chief Scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Chief Executive Officer of ANU Enterprise and Global Head of Open Innovation at Cadbury.
She has also served on the Australian National University Council through a ministerial appointment and currently sits on the Commonwealth Treasury’s Foreign Investment Review Board and the Investment Committee at Main Sequence Ventures.
Dr Pearson holds a PhD in Particle Physics from Oxford University and once taught physics at UNE.
“UNE is deeply grateful for Sarah’s leadership, integrity and care for the university, and wishes her and her family well.”
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