After a search that drew 44 applicants from across Australia and beyond, I am pleased to announce that Mr Nicholas (Nick) Spinks will join us as our next Dean and Deputy Head of College, commencing 9 February 2026.

This appointment follows an extensive and collaborative process involving staff, students, Wyverns, and Council. In a very strong field, the search committee’s final recommendation was unanimous.

As Dean Catherine Sicurella, Chair of the Search Committee, observed:

“Nick stood out for his insight into how to bring out the best in young people from diverse backgrounds, and for his ‘student-first’ approach to leadership. He combines genuine warmth with a rare ability to connect authentically and quickly with both students and staff.”

Incoming General Committee President, Sophie Mayes, echoed that sentiment:

“Nick showed great enthusiasm for the culture of Queen’s and the everyday life of the students. He spoke with students naturally and comfortably, and people noticed it straight away.”

An experienced higher-education leader, Nick currently serves as Vice Warden and Deputy CEO at St John’s College (University of Queensland), where he oversees student culture, wellbeing, academic programming, admissions, staff supervision, governance responsibilities, and strategic initiatives across a large residential community of more than 300 students.

Alongside the strong impression he made in interview, Nick brings a depth of experience that aligns closely with the needs and aspirations of Queen’s.

  • A widely experienced residential college leader and sector-aware contributor, well-regarded across the college network, with strong relationships at Ormond, Trinity, Newman, St Hilda’s, and Little Hall, and a deep familiarity with the new national Code on Gender-Based Violence.
  • A lawyer by training (LLB; admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia), with early career experience in commercial litigation and the strong analytical and risk-awareness skills that come with it.
  • A teacher and lecturer, holding a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Melbourne; he has taught in Victorian secondary schools, served as Year Level and VCE Coordinator, and lectured in leadership and pedagogy at the Australian Catholic University.
  • A leadership coach, through several years with Teach for Australia, where he mentored and coached 75 developing teachers, including a period in which he was himself mentored by Campbell Bairstow, a connection many in our community will appreciate.

Among the highlights of Nick’s leadership are the following:

  • Cultural renewal at St John’s: leading multi-year work that reshaped student culture with changes students trusted and owned.
  • Admissions reform: broadening diversity significantly, introducing more equitable selection processes (including video submissions), and strengthening representation of rural, low-SES, and Indigenous students.
  • Academic lift: strengthening the tutorial program, raising outcomes, and fostering cultures of ambition grounded in genuine support.
  • Calm and fair conduct leadership: consistently recognised by referees for steadiness under pressure, clarity of judgment, and an ability to protect dignity, fairness, and community trust.
  • Strong team leadership: supervising a sizeable team across wellbeing, academics, chaplaincy, administration, and student support.
  • Governance and institutional stewardship: contributing to strategic planning, budget oversight, risk management, and alumni engagement as Deputy CEO.

Nick also brings a clear understanding of the Sugden tradition, including the balance of autonomy and responsibility, the way trust asks something of young adults, the “wide paddock with solid fences” that allows students to stretch, learn, and grow taller.

In his own words:

“Colleges are places of transformation… I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside staff and students, in the proud Sugden tradition, to help usher in the next storied chapter of Queen’s College.”

I want to share my personal thanks to all who participated in the search process, including outgoing GC President Cassie Silberberg and incoming GC President Sophie Mayes.

Queen’s is entering a fresh chapter, renewing what matters and sharpening the qualities that have always set this place apart. Nick’s appointment helps us carry that work forward with steadiness, clarity, and care.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Mr Nicholas Spinks to Queen’s.

Dr Michael Stepniak
Master & Head of College