- Posted on 17 Aug 2026
- 3-minute read
UTS is delighted to welcome Alicia O’Grady as our new Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Ms Alicia O’Grady has been chosen through an international search process to lead UTS’s international strategy and engagement efforts, taking up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (International) on Monday 9 November.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms O’Grady said she was pleased to join UTS at a pivotal moment and contribute to the university’s next chapter of global engagement.
“UTS has an outstanding reputation for innovation, industry engagement and real-world impact, and those strengths provide an excellent platform to deepen our global partnerships and extend our international influence,” Ms O’Grady said.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the university to strengthen our international research collaborations, expand opportunities for students and staff, and build partnerships that create lasting value for our communities.”
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), Ms O’Grady will oversee the university’s internationalisation agenda, including strategic international partnerships, strengthening UTS’s global reputation, and supporting the growth and diversity of the international student community.
Ms O’Grady is an accomplished executive leader in higher education with experience driving institutional growth, digital transformation and external engagement across the United Kingdom and Australia. Her most recent role as Executive Director, External Engagement & Global at the University of Exeter, saw her lead the university’s global reputation strategy and external affairs, with responsibility for building strategic partnerships with government, academia and international institutions.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt said that Ms O’Grady’s background in global partnerships, institutional collaborations and international student recruitment makes her ideally suited to lead UTS’s next stage of internationalisation.
“With over 20 years’ experience in the higher education sector, Alicia brings a fresh, innovative approach to how we work to grow our global presence,” Professor Parfitt said.
“UTS has a long and proud international history across research, industry and university partnerships. Alicia’s impressive record at the University of Exeter growing their international engagement and reputation is an invaluable asset for the university as we work to develop new opportunities for the UTS community.”
“I look forward to welcoming Alicia to UTS in November.”
With over 20 years’ experience in the higher education sector, Alicia brings a fresh, innovative approach to how we work to grow our global presence.
Prior to the University of Exeter, Ms O’Grady held positions at the University of Bristol as Executive Director, External Relations; at the University of Tasmania as Executive Director, Marketing and Communications; and at Griffith University as Deputy Director, External Relations – Digital. She is also the Chair of the Gender Equality Group at the University of Exeter.
Ms O’Grady holds a Master of Arts (Strategic Marketing) from the London Metropolitan University.
Mr Leo Mian Liu concludes his time in the role of Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) on 9 November and will return to the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (International).
Professor Parfitt thanked Mr Leo Mian Liu for his steadfast leadership as Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor over the past 15 months. [KH1]
“Leo has been a valued member of the University Leadership Team, ably leading the DVCI portfolio through a period of critical change. I am grateful for Leo’s stellar contribution in what has been a challenging time for international education. I look forward to his continuing leadership at UTS in strengthening our global profile,” Professor Parfitt said.