Australian Catholic University has conferred an honorary doctorate on Francis Campbell, the outgoing vice-chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia.
Professor Campbell has served as vice-chancellor of UNDA for six years, stepping into the role at the outset of the COVID pandemic.
The honorary degree from ACU acknowledges Professor Campbell’s service to the Church and community, especially in higher education, and his long career as a diplomat. This is his seventh honorary doctorate and the first from an Australian university.
Professor Campbell said the honorary doctorate came as a “great surprise” and was a humbling way to conclude his service to Australian higher education.
“I want to thank the chancellor, deputy chancellor, vice-chancellor and Senate of Australian Catholic University for this very kind act. It is humbling to be considered for such an award,” Professor Campbell said.
“I have worked closely with ACU in this role and in my previous role in London, and it is wonderful to be associated with the university through this award.”
The honorary award comes as Professor Campbell prepares to leave his post as vice-chancellor of UNDA for another career venture.
In early 2026, Professor Campbell announced he was stepping down as vice-chancellor to work for philanthropic organisation the Templeton World Charity Foundation, relocating to the Bahamas.
Professor Campbell said while he was at the helm of UNDA, the university had seen enormous growth in its international student community, and historic enrolment numbers across its three campuses.
“Over the last six years, UNDA has expanded our international reach considerably to include a vibrant international student community at our Broome, Fremantle and Sydney campuses but also sending ever-more of our students out across the world to our many partner institutions,” Professor Campbell said.
“We now have our largest number of students in our history and that is poised to grow in the coming years.”
UNDA and ACU are Australia’s only Catholic universities, covering the east and west coast of Australia.
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ACU honours departing Notre Dame Vice Chancellor with Doctor of the University (ACU)
