The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is embarking on a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Professor Kerri-Lee Krause as Chief Commissioner and Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More as Commissioner. With decades of experience in higher education, both appointees bring exceptional expertise and a wealth of knowledge to their roles. Their leadership promises to strengthen the integrity and standards of Australia’s higher education system.
A New Chapter for TEQSA
The Australian Minister for Education, Jason Clare, recently announced the appointment of Professor Kerri-Lee Krause as Chief Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Professor Krause, who will officially begin her role on 7 April 2025 for a five-year term, brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership. As Vice-Chancellor and President of Avondale University, she successfully guided the institution through its transition from University College to a full university.
Alongside her appointment, Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More will join TEQSA as Commissioner starting 24 February 2025 for a five-year term. A leading figure in business education, Professor More’s background includes significant leadership roles such as Dean of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at both Macquarie University and the University of Canberra.
These strategic appointments signal a new phase for TEQSA as it continues its vital role in ensuring that Australia’s higher education sector maintains the highest standards of quality and integrity.
Professor Kerri-Lee Krause: A Proven Leader in Higher Education
Professor Krause’s career spans over 30 years in the higher education sector, where she has held several senior leadership positions, including her role as Vice-Chancellor at Avondale University from 2021 to 2024. Under her leadership, Avondale underwent a significant transformation, achieving university status. This achievement reflects her commitment to educational excellence and her ability to lead institutions through periods of significant change.
Beyond her leadership at Avondale, Professor Krause has served in senior academic and advisory roles across several universities, including Western Sydney University, La Trobe University, and the University of Melbourne. Notably, she led the national admissions transparency initiative for higher education from 2017 to 2025, promoting fairness and clarity in the admissions process for prospective students.
In addition to her leadership roles, Professor Krause is also an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for the Study of Higher Education and has chaired the Higher Education Standards Panel. Her vast experience and insight into the challenges facing higher education make her a key figure in shaping TEQSA’s strategic direction.
Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More: A Visionary in Business Education
Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More brings decades of distinguished leadership in business education and academic administration. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie University and the University of Canberra, she has been instrumental in driving the academic and operational success of these institutions. Professor More is also the Director of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM), where she has helped shape the next generation of business leaders.
Professor More’s contributions to higher education extend beyond her university roles. She was the Foundation Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business at Australian Catholic University, where she helped build a strong foundation for business education within the institution. In recognition of her significant contributions to education, particularly in communication, management, and organisational change, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2005.
Her work in the education sector has been marked by her commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and academic excellence. She also holds leadership roles in several organisations, including Chair of Flourish Australia and NSW Councillor of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, further underscoring her dedication to shaping Australia’s educational and business landscapes.
The Role of TEQSA in Shaping Australia’s Higher Education Sector
TEQSA plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of Australia’s higher education sector. As the national regulator, TEQSA is responsible for ensuring that universities and other higher education providers comply with strict quality standards. Its role is pivotal in safeguarding the integrity of qualifications and ensuring that students receive high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers.
Under the new leadership of Professor Krause and Professor More, TEQSA is poised to strengthen its focus on the ongoing transformation of higher education, especially in response to challenges such as technological innovation, changes in student demographics, and the increasing demand for quality and accessible education.
A Commitment to Enhancing Higher Education Standards
The appointments of Professor Krause and Professor More represent a commitment to further enhancing Australia’s higher education standards. Their experience and leadership will be instrumental in driving TEQSA’s mission to ensure that all students receive the best possible education. As the education landscape continues to evolve, TEQSA will play an increasingly important role in addressing emerging challenges and ensuring that the sector remains responsive to both national and global needs.
Through the collective expertise of its leadership team, TEQSA is positioned to continue its work in maintaining the reputation and integrity of the Australian higher education system. The sector will benefit from their knowledge and leadership as they work to maintain quality standards and meet the evolving demands of students, educators, and employers alike.
The Importance of Leadership in Higher Education
Effective leadership in higher education is crucial to addressing the sector’s ongoing challenges. As Australia’s higher education system faces growing competition, internationalisation, and increasing student expectations, leaders like Professor Krause and Professor More are essential in navigating these complexities. Their leadership will shape the future of higher education in Australia, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of students, employers, and society at large.
Their vision for TEQSA will likely focus on strengthening the regulatory framework, ensuring transparency, and advocating for higher education that is inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive.
The appointments of Professor Kerri-Lee Krause as Chief Commissioner and Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More as Commissioner are a significant step forward for TEQSA and Australia’s higher education sector. With their leadership, TEQSA will continue to uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity in higher education, ensuring that Australian universities and institutions remain at the forefront of global education.
The future of higher education in Australia is in capable hands, and these new appointments mark an exciting chapter for TEQSA’s work in shaping the sector’s success for years to come.
FAQs
Q1: What is the role of TEQSA?
TEQSA is the national regulator for higher education in Australia, responsible for maintaining and improving the quality and standards of higher education providers in the country.
Q2: Who are the new leaders at TEQSA?
Professor Kerri-Lee Krause has been appointed Chief Commissioner, and Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More has been appointed Commissioner. Both have extensive leadership experience in higher education.
Q3: What are some of Professor Krause’s key achievements?
Professor Krause has held senior leadership roles, including Vice-Chancellor at Avondale University, and has led national initiatives to improve admissions transparency in higher education.
Q4: How will Professor More contribute to TEQSA?
Professor More brings expertise in business education and academic leadership, having served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie University and the University of Canberra, as well as Director of the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
Q5: What is TEQSA’s role in higher education quality?
TEQSA ensures that higher education providers meet rigorous standards and regulations, maintaining the integrity of the sector and protecting students and employers alike.
