USQ milestones

The push for a higher education presence on the Darling Downs gains momentum under the leadership of Dr Alex McGregor.
The Martin report released in 1965 identifies Toowoomba as the location for 'Darling Downs College'.
The Queensland Institute of technology (Darling Downs) opens in 1967 under Acting Principal Mr J Wolfe, then Mr Lindsay Barker.
Initially three Schools operate: Business Studies, Engineering and Science.
McGregor Summmer School begins in 1969.
First graduations of 25 students in 1970.

Chairman: Mr H A ('Bunty') Griffiths.
Director: Dr Lindsay Barker
Institution becomes an autonomous college and renamed the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education.
Student load grows from under 1000 EFTSU to over 8000 EFTSU over this period.
Offerings expand to include education, creative and liberal arts, surveying and information technology.
The physical campus grows immensely.
Summer semester starts in 1972.
Tertiary external courses begin in 1974.
The Department of External and Continuing Education (DECE) sees a massive expansion of external studies after 1978.
A significant international program emerges after 1984-6.
On-campus teaching begins in Wide Bay in 1986.

Chancellor: Mrs Allison Dickson (now Dr Allison Dickson).
Interim Vice-Chancellor: Professor Tom Ledwidge.
Institution becomes the University College of Southern Queensland (UCSQ) under the sponsorship of the University of Queensland.
Professors are appointed, including Professor and Deans of Schools.
Major research programs are established.
Nursing and accounting are introduced; banking and finance follow in 1992.
The Brisbane Centre is established.
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) program moves interstate.
Summer semester is expanded.

Chancellor: Mrs Allison Dickson (now Dr Allison Dickson).
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Barry Leal.
Institution becomes the University of Southern Queensland.
Executive management restructured to Deputy Vice-Chancellor/ Registrar/Bursar.
School structure changed to a six faculty structure.
Research and development are promoted through Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Higher Degrees) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Development) positions until 1996-7.
The National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture and Fibre Composites Design and Development group are established.
Kumbari/Ngurpai Lag is established.
First ISO accreditation achieved, by Information Technology Services.

Chancellor: Mr Don Stevens.
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Peter Swannell.
USQ recognised as a leader in flexible learning in winning several awards, including University of the Year 2000-1.
Faculties of Business and Commerce merge.
A $100m capital works program implemented, including the development of USQ Wide Bay campus.
USQ sees a tripling of the proportion of USQ revenue derived from research and contracts, and extensive systems development, including PeopleSoft at a total cost of over $16m.

Chancellor: Mr Don Stevens (to 2005); Ms Bobbie Brazil.
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Bill Lovegrove.
USQ Directions process leads to major reforms including new Research Centres Strategy and Internationalisation Strategy.
Introduction of Dean/Pro Vice-Chancellor positions to strengthen the executive management team.
USQ Springfield campus established.
Queensland College of Wine Tourism at Stanthorpe established as a Centre of USQ.
Establishment of USQ Multicultural Centre and Regional Engagement Office.