Vice-President Academic, Professor Michelle Bellingan

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As the Vice-President Academic, Professor Michelle Bellingan is responsible for leading the creation and implementation of the University’s strategic and operational priorities, related to educational design and delivery, as well as ensuring the quality of our courses.

Professor Bellingan leads CQUniversity’s academic vision, ensuring we attract, support and retain outstanding teaching staff. Through the Tertiary Education Division, she works with Deputy Vice-Presidents, Deans and Directors to deliver high-quality, innovative learning experiences and qualifications.

As part of the Senior Executive team, Professor Bellingan plays a key role in shaping university strategy and operations, overseeing quality assurance, organisational systems, and academic budgets.

The Vice-President, Academic also provides executive leadership for integrating vocational and higher education, fostering new course development, driving student growth and retention, and strengthening educational quality and community engagement.

Professor Michelle Bellingan standing in front of camera smiling while wearing a white and black stripe shirt and black skirt. — Vice-President Academic, Professor Michelle Bellingan

Tertiary Education Division

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

About Professor Michelle Bellingan

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.