Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Narelle Pearse

As Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Narelle Pearse leads CQUniversity’s Corporate Services Division. 

As part of this Narelle oversees governance, strategic planning and projects, financial performance, university infrastructure and digital systems, and all commercially focused activities.

Narelle plays a key leadership role by ensuring the University has in place the facilities, systems, services and regulatory frameworks that are required to deliver flexible world-class learning, teaching and research.

By delivering robust strategic planning and financial management, as well as high-quality asset management, Narelle’s executive leadership and engagement help to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of CQUniversity’s operations.

Narelle Pearse standing in front of greenery smiling at the camera with hands placed in front of her
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Narelle Pearse.

Corporate Services Division

The portfolios within the Corporate Services Division, underpin the day-to-day operations of CQUniversity and ensure the University runs efficiently, sustainably and in line with regulatory requirements. The Directorates within the Division play an essential role in supporting strategic direction and decision-making, and the seamless running of business operations across the institution.

The Division also supports a range of internal reporting requirements for Council and committees, as well as external compliance obligations to state and federal governments. 

Key areas within the Corporate Services Division include:

  • Facilities and Project Management  
  • Digital Services 
  • Finance and procurement 
  • Commercial Services, including management of residential colleges 
  • Governance and regulatory management, including management of the University Council 
  • Legal services 
  • Strategic planning, risk, and insurance 
  • Business intelligence and analytics.

The Division supports a range of internal reporting requirements for Council and committees, as well as external compliance obligations to state and federal governments.

About Narelle Pearse

Narelle Pearse has served on CQUniversity’s executive since 2014. Prior to this she was also a member of the University Council.. With more than three decades of experience in public and corporate accounting, commercial management, regional development, and regulatory compliance, Narelle delivers deep expertise in financial strategy, governance, commercialisation  and economic development.

Prior to joining CQUniversity, she was Chief Executive Officer of the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC), where she led major regional growth and investment initiatives.

Narelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Commerce, Executive MBA, and a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development with Distinction, and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a proud alumnus of CQUniversity. Narelle is currently working towards her PhD with a focus on regional development and education.

Key Contacts

  • Postal Address: CQUniversity Rockhampton North campus, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, QLD 4701 
  • Phone: +61 7 4930 9463
  • Email: n.pearse@cqu.edu.au

Trish Clifford

  • Postal Address: CQUniversity Rockhampton North campus, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, QLD 4701
  • Phone: +61 7 4930 9548
  • Email: t.clifford@cqu.edu.au

Sharyn Millar  

  • Postal Address: CQUniversity Rockhampton North campus, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, QLD 4701
  • Phone: +61 7 4930 9463
  • Email: n.pearse@cqu.edu.au