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Think Board

Think Education's Academic Board Members oversee the quality assurance of all academic activities, including the maintenance of high standards in teaching and scholarship.

Governance structure

Governance and Leadership | Think Education | Organisational Structure

Think Education Board committee

Audit and Risk committee provides expert advice to the Board on audit and risk performance.

 

Think Education Board members

Michael Reed, Chair

Michael, formerly Regional Counsel – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Laureate International Universities. Prior to joining Laureate he was a partner at DLA Piper, a leading global law firm and has practised as a solicitor for over 35 years.

Professor Aleks Subic

Aleks is the Academic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Think Education.

He leads Think Education’s focus on expanding access to education and improving outcomes for students.

A globally recognised leader in higher education, innovation and advanced manufacturing, Aleks brings extensive experience in leading institutional change, building industry partnerships and advancing applied research. Before joining Think Education, he served as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University in the UK.

Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles at RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology, where he led major initiatives in research, digital innovation and industry collaboration. His work has centred on strengthening connections between universities, industry and government, and translating research into practical outcomes, including contributions to national initiatives such as the Australian Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce.

Aleks is recognised for his work in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, and is ranked among the world’s top two percent of scientists (Stanford University/Elsevier). He has contributed to international research programs and advisory bodies, and has received major awards including the Australian Business Innovation Award and the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award.

At Think Education, Aleks is focused on strengthening industry-connected learning, expanding access and opportunity, and improving student outcomes.

Michael Thawley AO

Michael Thawley is a former Australian Ambassador to the United States of America. He has a broad range of international and Australian-based business leadership roles, including as former vice-chairman of Capital Group International, a member of Capital Group Companies. Mr. Thawley was born in London and was educated at Australian National University and Surrey University.

Hon. Greg Crafter AO

Greg was a member of the South Australian Parliament between 1979 and 1993, holding Ministerial office for eleven of those years. He was Minister of Education for seven years. Greg was President of the Geneva based International Baccalaureate Organisation between 1996 and 2003. He is currently Chair of the National Catholic Education Commission which represents the 760,000 students and 93,000 staff in Australia’s Catholic schools. He has developed a career as a Non Executive Director and consultant serving on private company, public and charitable boards and has been appointed to Public Sector Boards and Commissions of Enquiry by both Liberal and Labor governments.

Daniel Jackson

Daniel Jackson is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Strategic Education, Inc.. Previously he served as Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Finance for Strayer Education, Inc., and as Regional Vice President of Operations, Director of Business Operations, and Campus Director for Strayer University. Prior to joining Strayer, Daniel held financial and operational roles with Legg Mason Wood Walker and Fairmont Schools Inc.

Dr. Michael McRobbie AO

Dr. Michael A. McRobbie joined the Think Education Board in September 2023. Dr. McRobbie serves as University Chancellor, President Emeritus, and University Professor at Indiana University (IU). He previously served as the 18th President of IU, one of the largest universities in the U.S., from the 1st of July 2007 until his retirement on the 30th of June 2021. Dr. McRobbie served as a vice chair of the board of directors of Indiana University Health System until his retirement from IU. A native of Australia, Dr. McRobbie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with first class honours from the University of Queensland, and a Ph.D. from Australian National University. Dr. McRobbie has been a member of the Strategic Education, Inc. board since 2021.