Sydney: Archbishop Shane Mackinlay has been elected as the new President of the Corporation at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), taking over from Archbishop Emeritus Mark Coleridge of Brisbane. The announcement was made on November 3, marking a significant step in the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Catholic identity and leadership.

Archbishop Mackinlay, who recently became the Archbishop of Brisbane, brings years of pastoral, academic, and administrative experience to the role. Before his appointment, he served as Bishop of Sandhurst and was a priest in the Diocese of Ballarat for nearly three decades. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and spent 20 years teaching philosophy. He also led the Catholic Theological College at the University of Divinity in Melbourne for almost ten years.

University leaders welcomed his appointment, saying that his deep understanding of Catholic education and his commitment to faith-based learning will help guide ACU’s mission. The role of President of the Corporation plays an important part in the university’s governance, working closely with the ACU Senate to ensure the institution remains true to its Catholic values while maintaining high academic standards.

The appointment comes at a time when ACU is reaffirming its Catholic mission and addressing concerns about how it upholds its identity as a faith-based university. Over the past year, ACU has introduced several initiatives to strengthen its Catholic character and has emphasized the importance of leadership that reflects its founding principles.

Archbishop Mackinlay’s leadership is expected to provide continuity and renewed direction as ACU moves forward. His background in education, theology, and Church leadership positions him to guide the university through a time of renewal and reflection.

Observers see his election as a sign of the Church’s commitment to ensuring that ACU remains a strong voice in higher education, combining academic excellence with a clear Catholic mission.