| Election of | an academic staff from Faculty of Health |
| Term | 2 years: 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028 |
| Electorate | any academic staff member (continuing or fixed-term) from Faculty of Health can vote in this election (Rule G3-22(1)(b)) |
| Ballot | opens Thursday 10 September 2026 closes at 3pm Thursday 24 September 2026 |
| Voting | vote now or see how to vote |
Candidates in ballot paper order
Candidates’ statements
Albie Sharpe
As Course Director for the Bachelor of Public Health, I have experience in curriculum development, course review, accreditation and student progression issues. I work with staff across the Faculty and UTS, including Global Mobility and the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, supporting international opportunities and student engagement. I am committed to transparent and consistent university processes.
Having worked in casual, fixed-term and continuing academic positions at UTS since 2018, I am conscious of increasing workloads and pressures facing academic staff. My teaching and international research have given me a strong interest in academic quality and integrity, particularly the challenge AI technologies pose for assessment, academic standards and the value of university education.
I believe universities have a responsibility to their communities, and that education and research are public goods. I would welcome the opportunity to bring these perspectives to the Academic Board as the Faculty of Health representative.
Stacy Blythe
I am a Professor of Nursing and Head of Discipline (Nursing) in the Faculty of Health, with extensive experience in academic leadership, governance, curriculum development, accreditation, research, and workforce planning. As a member of Academic Board, I would bring a strong commitment to academic excellence, evidence-informed decision-making, and collegial governance.
Throughout my career, I have worked collaboratively with academic and professional staff, students, industry partners, and regulatory bodies to support high-quality education and positive student outcomes. I have experience leading complex curriculum and accreditation initiatives, supporting academic staff development, and ensuring that governance processes remain transparent, inclusive, and responsive to emerging challenges.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to Academic Board by providing a Faculty of Health perspective while supporting the University's strategic priorities. I am particularly committed to fostering academic quality, innovation, integrity, and a culture of respectful engagement across the University community.
Aaron Coutts
I am seeking re-election to the Academic Board to continue contributing to UTS’s academic governance during a period of significant change in higher education. Over more than 20 years at UTS, I have worked across teaching, research, engagement and academic leadership. As Head of School, I have led through organisational and sector-wide change while balancing strategic priorities with the needs of staff, students and partners. As a current Board member, I have contributed to discussions and decisions on key academic matters. My experience across research and strategic advisory groups, institutional initiatives, external boards, and formal governance and leadership development has strengthened my understanding of strategy, risk and decision-making. If re-elected, I would bring a practical, evidence-informed and collegiate approach, represent the broader academic community, and support UTS’s future success.
How to vote in an online ballot
- Note your candidate choices and preference order
- Log in to UTS: Elections Online Polling Booth
- Choose the election you wish to vote in
- Select the candidates you wish to vote for
- Check your vote
- When you are ready, choose 'submit' to record your vote.
Conduct
Participants in elections (candidates, their representatives and voters) are expected to follow the same high standard of conduct and behaviour during the campaign process as is expected on campus generally. The behaviour of election candidates and their representatives should meet expected standards of conduct. See Code of Conduct for UTS Elections.
Concerns about security due to election-related conduct should be reported to UTS Security and Emergency Management. Phone 02 9514 1192 or dial ‘6’ on any UTS phone.
Further information
The schedule for this election has information about the election rules, Returning Officer and Academic Board.
See Voting for information about votes, confidentiality, appointing a scrutineer and results.