Vice-President Academic, Professor Michelle Bellingan

The Tertiary Education Division (TED) drives innovation in tertiary education, offering flexible learning experiences and supporting clear educational pathways. TED also plays a leading role in the professional development of educators across the University.

TED includes the Schools of Education and the Arts; Health, Medical and Applied Sciences; Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences; Engineering and Technology; Access Education; Business and Law; and Trades. These Schools are supported by the Directorates of VET and Business Development, and the Office of Education Strategy and Quality, which includes Learning and Teaching Futures (LTF) and Educational Quality and Integrity (EQI).

Together, TED’s Schools and Directorates collaborate to design, deliver and continuously improve high-quality learning experiences across a broad range of disciplines and AQF levels. Their work spans skills training, professional development, and accredited qualifications.

TED’s priorities include:

• Developing courses informed by research and industry, government and community collaboration
• Expanding corporate training, micro-credentials and digital badging
• Streamlining educational processes
• Enhancing student engagement and retention
• Promoting the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching
• Innovating in apprenticeships and vocational education
• Conducting impactful, community- and industry-aligned research

Professor Michelle Bellingan was appointed Vice-President, Academic in January 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in tertiary education, academic leadership, and research to the role.

Prior to this, she served as Dean of CQUniversity’s largest School, Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, where she led several transformative initiatives. These included the launch of our Regional Medical Pathway and the development of strategic partnerships that expanded integrated vocational and higher education opportunities, supporting workforce growth across regional Australia.

As Vice-President Academic, Professor Bellingan provides strategic and academic leadership focused on delivering high-quality, future-ready education. She works closely with a team of Deputy Vice-Presidents and Deans to design and deliver innovative courses and learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of students, industry, and communities. Her leadership is instrumental in positioning CQUniversity as Australia’s most supportive and engaged university.

Professor Bellingan holds a PhD from Nelson Mandela University (2006), a Master of Science (1993), and a Bachelor of Pharmacy (1992) from the University of Port Elizabeth. She currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Regional Medical Pathway and the Board of Queensland Minerals and Energy.