Image: The mace, and its teak wood box (not pictured), was presented to UNE by Dr P.A. Wright to mark the establishment of the University and the installation of its first Chancellor, the Right Honourable Sir Earle Page, on 4 August 1955. The mace is a modern interpretation of a mediaeval fighting mace. Made of sterling silver, it is 1.2 metres long and weighs 2.92 kilograms. It was designed and crafted by Gerald Benny of London, under the general direction of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

UNE will formally install its tenth Chancellor, Dr Sarah Pearson, in a public ceremony on the lawns of Booloominbah on Thursday, 8 May.

This event marks the first standalone installation of a UNE Chancellor in nearly three decades. The other being when Dr Pat O’Shane AM was installed as Chancellor in 1995. While much has changed since then, the ceremony remains an important occasion in the life of the University — one that recognises both leadership and continuity.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University and presides over its Council, the institution’s governing body. The role carries significant responsibility in shaping UNE’s long-term strategic direction, upholding its values, and representing the University in the public sphere. The installation ceremony is a formal and public affirmation of that role. It also serves as an opportunity for the wider University community —students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders — to reaffirm the shared purpose of the institution.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, will officiate the ceremony. Designated as the Official Visitor, her role is a ceremonial one, fixed in tradition, and reflects the historical ties between universities and the Crown. The Official Visitor’s responsibilities typically include oversight of ceremonial matters and acting as a symbolic representative of the State’s connection to the institution.

In her role as the Official Visitor[1] to the University, the Governor will conduct the formal conferral of office, preside over key ceremonial elements such as the pledge of office and presentation of the mace, and formally pronounce Dr Pearson as Chancellor. The Governor’s participation underscores the civic importance of the occasion and reaffirms the University’s connection to the wider public and the State of New South Wales.

The installation blends long-standing academic traditions with local culture and community participation. The ceremony opens with a procession of academic and civic leaders followed by a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Key elements of the ceremony include:

• The Enrobing: A symbolic moment where Dr Pearson dons the UNE ceremonial Chancellor’s gown, supported by students — representing her responsibility to both lead and listen.
• The Mace Presentation: An academic tradition acknowledging the authority and responsibility of the office. It also reflects UNE’s connection to a broader scholarly community.
• The Pledge of Office: A call-and-response moment between the Chancellor and the Governor of NSW, affirming UNE’s purpose, people and regional role.
• The Pronouncement: The Governor formally declares Dr Pearson as Chancellor, publicly marking the start of her term.

UNE has a proud history of doing things differently — and accessibly. The installation of Dr Sarah Pearson will be no exception. It’s an opportunity for everyone — staff, students, alumni, and community — to witness and welcome the next chapter in the University’s leadership.

After the formalities, which begins at 11.30am, guests are invited to a light lunch on Graduates Walk.

• To attend the event, please register here by Monday, 14 April.
• To be part of the procession, please register here
• See the event invitation

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[1] University of New England Act 1993 (NSW)