UNION COLLEGE BOARD MEMBERS
The College Board is the governing body of Union College and comprises members of the university community, past and present residents of Union College, the Head of College, and representatives of the broader community. The College Board meets quarterly to oversee the administration, strategic direction and finances of Union College, in addition to providing valuable input to the various sub-committees on which they serve.
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
MRS REBCCA FREATH
PROF MATTHEW BALL
MR CHRIS BURGESS
MR JAMES DOYLE
MR DAMIEN FINGER
MRS RACQUEL GIBBONS
PROF JOSEPH GROTOWSKI
DR LIAM SMITH
UNION COLLEGE STAFF
Head of College/CEO
Adjunct Professor Fiona Hawthorne
Telephone: 07 3377 1832
Email: fiona.hawthorne@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Deputy Head of College: Student Life
Bernadette Yates
Telephone: 07 3377 1854
Email: b.yates@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Deputy Head of College: Finance & Operations
Dane Hermann
Telephone: 07 3377 1847
Email: d.hermann@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Operations Manager
Kelly Baker
Kelly effectively coordinates the Operations of Union College and delivers efficiencies to optimise outcomes and improve student experience. Kelly leads a close-knit team of contractors to maintain College facilities and open space areas. This encompasses gardening, general repairs, coordinating renovations, as well as managing IT, the security system, the fire emergency system, catering, and cleaning. Kelly also has over 15 years of experience in Administration, including Customer Service.
Telephone: 07 3377 1851
Email: operations@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Admissions Coordinator
Caroline Christensen
Caroline is our Admissions Coordinator and has extensive admissions experience working within residential colleges in Brisbane and Sydney. Her focus and attention to detail ensures a streamlined and stress-free admissions experience for students and their families. She will work with you from your initial residential enquiry right through to welcoming you on the day you arrive at Union College. Caroline has a student services background in secondary and higher education and says it is her great joy to work within this industry as it gives back to her in a very positive way.
Telephone: 07 3377 1819
Email: admissions@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Academic Program Coordinator
Reenah Jays
Reenah coordinates the Tutorial and Development programs at Union College. She is passionate about helping Residents achieve academic and personal success so they can contribute positively and confidently to the world around them. Working previously as a Librarian and Team Leader of student Orientation programs, Reenah understands how important it is for Residents to feel supported when living away from home, tackling University for the first time. Reenah is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Education (Career Development & Counselling), allowing students access to qualified career guidance.
When she is not consulting or planning, you can find Reenah eating all the biscuits in the staff kitchen, or organising as many animal therapy visits as Union College can handle!
Telephone: 07 3377 1816
Email: tutorials@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Administrative Assistant & Receptionist
Negin Adams (Returning November 2025)
Negin is the welcoming face that greets all who attend the Union College office. As the first point of contact for the residential college, Negin is responsible for many aspects of the day-to-day running of the College, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Negin’s diverse background, which spans IT security and leadership, along with experience in administrative assistance and customer service, makes her a valuable asset at Union College. She also has a keen eye for design and a passion for art. This creativity is evident in her efforts to keep the College website, brochures, and social media fresh and engaging.
Telephone: 07 3377 1500
Email: union.college@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Sustainability Advisor
Tim Dhakal
Tim is the Sustainability Advisor at Union College, where he focuses on enhancing operational efficiency
and promoting sustainable living among students. With a robust background in
Environmental Management and a specialization in Sustainable Development, Tim
addresses university challenges through a system-thinking approach, offering
practical solutions for residents.
When not advising at Union College, Tim also works as a Scientific Officer at the University of Queensland. In his free time, he enjoys bushwalking and eating new native foods.
Email: sustainability@unioncollegeuq.com.au
Administrative Assistant & Receptionist (Temporary until November 2025)
Anna Cleary