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SAHE People

Corporate Governance Council

Ross Chapman

Emeritus Professor, Chair

Ross is an accomplished academic leader and expert in research, management, and governance within the higher education sector. With an extensive background in academia and industry, Ross holds several relevant qualifications including a Ph.D. and a Company Directors Diploma. He is an Emeritus Professor, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) and a Life Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM). His research and consulting expertise encompasses the management of quality, technology and innovation. Ross has authored numerous publications, including books, journal articles, and invited keynote papers, contributing significantly to his field.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ross has held diverse roles including Director, Centre for Industry and Innovation Studies, Professor of Business Systems, and Associate Dean (Research) at various institutions. His leadership extends to roles like Head of the Department of Management, Marketing & Tourism, and Dean of Graduate Studies. Ross's pivotal role as Head of the Deakin Graduate School of Business showcased his proficiency in managing a large team and leading accreditations while his private sector experience and non-executive director positions demonstrated his expertise in wider governance roles. Ross's governance contributions to professional organizations such as ANZAM and his involvement as a regional editor for international journals underscore his commitment to advancing academic scholarship and governance practices. As Chair of the Governing Council at the Southern Academy Higher Education, his extensive experience, leadership, and dedication make him a valuable asset in guiding strategic decisions and driving institutional excellence.

Donna Brien

Emeritus Professor, Chair, Academic Board

Emeritus Professor Donna Brien is a seasoned academic leader with two decades of experience in academia, marked by prominent roles as Dean, Associate Dean (Research), and Head of School. Her expertise in academic governance, research, and teaching is matched by her active engagement in high-level committees including the
university's Academic Board. As the Academic Leader of the Creative Arts Research Training Academy at Central Queensland University, she oversees research policy, compliance, and capacity-building. Donna's impactful communication skills are evidenced through esteemed publications, presentations, and media interviews. With
a research focus on doctoral supervision and creative arts pedagogy, she has received university awards and national recognition. Donna's rich career includes industry contributions as a curator, author, and leadership roles in professional bodies. Her extensive experience and expertise make her a compelling choice for the Academic
Board Chair at the Southern Academy of Higher Education.

John Ridge

OAM, External Member

John Ridge AM was appointed Executive Director of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in January 2005. The ACS Foundation runs student developmental programs that are in response to the technology industry needs. By listening to governments, industry associations, technology companies, education institutions and sponsors in general, we formulate, invest and run programs for the long-term benefit of Australia's technology sector. As the inaugural Chairman of the Foundation and he was also president of the ACS in 2000 and 2001. He worked tirelessly to ensure the ACS Foundation was established and has since played a substantial role in the successful development of the Foundation. John was recognised for his contribution to IT by his being awarded with an Order for Australia award. Since joining the ACS in the 1970s, John has served in varying capacities, initially as an Executive Committee Member of the NSW Branch, then serving as NSW Branch Chair, National Vice-President prior to his election as President for 2000-1 and more recently as National Marketing Director.

Mana Khatri

CEO

With over two decades of expertise in the international education sector, Mana has excelled in diverse areas such as establishing businesses, ensuring compliance, driving profitability and sustainability, overseeing marketing and advertising efforts, and demonstrating adeptness in administrative management, systemization, and technological innovation. His commitment to elevated service standards, product development, talent acquisition, and effective team cultivation is evident. With a robust background in student recruitment, service delivery, and career guidance, coupled with his extensive CEO experience in managing institutions, Mana brings invaluable insights to his current role. Backed by legal, Risk & Insurance, Business Administration, and Technology acumen, and more than 20 years of leadership and management experience, his visionary and strategic approach adds significant value to the Southern Academy of Higher Education's team.

Dr Brett Govendir

Member

Brett has extensive experience in professional accounting, including over 30 years as a principal in public practice. Brett has also lectured in Auditing and Assurance Services and Forensic Accounting. Prior to joining UTS in January 2009, Brett held an academic position at the University of Western Sydney teaching financial accounting. Brett has a wide interest in accounting leading to his research interests that include (i) The informativeness of accounting information, and how accounting information is used by capital markets; & (ii) Implications of tax on company's. Brett has published widely including: Journal of Corporate Finance; Australian Tax Forum; Accountung and Finance; Australian Journal of Management; JASSA and the Conversation as well as having presented his research at many local and international conferences.

Academic Board

Donna Brien

Emeritus Professor, Chair, Academic Board

Emeritus Professor Donna Brien is a seasoned academic leader with two decades of experience in academia, marked by prominent roles as Dean, Associate Dean (Research), and Head of School. Her expertise in academic governance, research, and teaching is matched by her active engagement in high-level committees including the
university's Academic Board. As the Academic Leader of the Creative Arts Research Training Academy at Central Queensland University, she oversees research policy, compliance, and capacity-building. Donna's impactful communication skills are evidenced through esteemed publications, presentations, and media interviews. With
a research focus on doctoral supervision and creative arts pedagogy, she has received university awards and national recognition. Donna's rich career includes industry contributions as a curator, author, and leadership roles in professional bodies. Her extensive experience and expertise make her a compelling choice for the Academic
Board Chair at the Southern Academy of Higher Education.

Margot Kearns

Emeritus Professor, Member

Emeritus Professor Margot Kearns brings a distinguished career spanning more than thirty years to her role on the Academic Board at Southern Academy of Higher Education. With a substantial legacy, she spent a significant portion of her career—15 years—serving The University of Notre Dame Australia. Starting as the Foundation Dean of Sydney School of Nursing, she progressed through national academic leadership positions, including roles like Executive Dean Nursing, PVC Sydney, Provost, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic. In her capacity as the most senior academic at the university,
Professor Kearns chaired the Academic Council, playing a pivotal role in the university's successful TEQSA re-registration. Her contributions extended beyond academia as she also served as a Community Member of the NSW Bar Association's Professional
Conduct Committee. Additionally, she has actively engaged in initiatives such as Primary Ethics and St Dominic's College Kingswood.
Through her extensive expertise and strategic insights, Professor Kearns greatly enhances the growth and excellence of Southern Academy of Higher Education.

Dr Adrian Melia

Member

Dr. Adrian Melia is a distinguished senior academic at the University of Newcastle, boasting over 15 years of experience in both research and practice. Formerly an accomplished Actuarial Analyst in risk assessment and insurance within the financial sector, he transitioned into academia where his award-winning research spans Health Insurance, Finance/Investment, and Corporate Governance. Dr. Melia's research finds application in collaborations with insurance and investment industries, while his leadership extends to strategic initiatives within the university and advisory roles for governance. With a global teaching background encompassing financial management and health economics, he adds significant value as a member of the Academic Board at Southern Academy of Higher Education.

Prof. Catherine Whelan

Member

Bringing extensive academic and leadership experience, Professor Catherine Whelan is a valuable addition to the Academic Board at Southern Academy of Higher Education. Presently the Provost and VP for Academic and Student Affairs at East Georgia State College, she previously held key roles such as Dean of the School of Business at The University of Notre Dame Australia and Professor of Accounting at Georgia College & State University. With over two decades in academia, her achievements encompass Chair of the Department of Accounting, Interim Associate Dean of the College of Business, and Presiding Officer of the University Senate. She holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Bond University and holds degrees from respected institutions including QUT and Macquarie University. Professor Whelan's extensive contributions enhance the academic landscape and leadership at Southern Academy of Higher Education.

Pearl Rozenberg

Dean

Pearl Rozenberg, a seasoned academic, governance & management leader with a track record of building high-performing teams and implementing innovative governance and risk management strategies, is a distinguished member of Southern Academy of Higher Education's corporate governance board. With extensive experience across top-tier and small higher education institutions, she has spearheaded educational programs, directed policy administration, and led major change projects to enhance efficiency and student satisfaction. As a chartered governance and risk professional, she has successfully navigated regulatory requirements and accreditation processes. With a strong background in law and education, Pearl's leadership acumen and dedication to excellence make her a valuable addition to the Academy's corporate governance board.

Alan Bowen James

Member

Alan Bowen-James is an expert in Higher Education governance and operations. Alan’s specialities include Knowledge Management, Online Learning, Informatics and Supply Chain Management. Alan is currently serving a term as Director and Deputy Chair of the Board, Higher Education at
Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) and is a Professor of Information Technology at Crown institute of Higer education. Alan has previously held the role of Academic Director and Chief Academic Officer at Excelsia College, Executive Dean at Le Cordon Bleu Australia and Professor and Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the Faculty of Law and Business at the Australian Catholic University.

Executive Staff

Stefan hofmann

GM, Sales and Marketing

Mana Khatri

CEO

Li Hwan Watt

COO

Pearl Rozenberg

Dean

Ross Mcclure

Program Manager - Accounting & Hospitality

TBC

Program Manager - Information Systems

Sunita Katwal

Finance Manager

Ashlee Cui

Registrar

Southern Academy of Higher Education Pty Ltd
TEQSA Provider Code: PRV14365
CRICOS Provider Code: 04202B

Contact us

L1, 191 Thomas Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

info@sahe.nsw.edu.au

1300 967 477 (In Australia)

02 9071 0177 (Outside Australia)

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