Our team live and breathe the College values, the same way you do. Dedicated to resident wellbeing, safety, and belonging, our team are here to guide and support, and to help your college experience feel like home.
Bachelor of Nursing, a Graduate Diploma of Adult and Vocational Education, a Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, and a PhD.
Fiona started her career as a Registered Nurse, working across varied clinical areas before moving into education and leadership roles. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in governance, resident wellbeing, and organisational leadership, with a strong focus on creating and maintaining safe, inclusive communities.
Currently, she is the Head of College and CEO of The University of Queensland Union College, where she oversees a diverse residential community dedicated to academic excellence and resident wellbeing.
B.BusMan, BCom, DipEng
Dane oversees resident engagement, financial management and strategy, asset management, governance, risk, and overall strategic planning for the College. He has worked previously in not-for-profit, government, and public industries, is committed to driving sustainable and transformative change and is all about bringing this expertise into the residential college sector.
B.Arts, PG Dip Information Studies, PGCert Career Development & Counselling
Reenah manages the end-to-end residential experience from initial engagement, in-College enrichment, to the alumni connections. She ensures that living at Union College means inclusive, memorable, and unique opportunities are available to all residents. She is also passionate about helping residents achieve academic and personal success so they can contribute positively to the world around them. Reenah has an established background in the tertiary student experience, with prior roles in orientation and international programs. She has presented her research in leadership and the student experience at conferences around Australia. She is a qualified Career Counsellor, allowing residents access to career development and support throughout their time at Union College.
Julie is committed to creating an exceptional residential experience for the Union College community. With a background across major projects, customer experience, tourism, and organisational development, she brings a unique blend of operational leadership and relationship-driven management to the College. She oversees the College’s business operations, finance, administration, and service delivery partnerships, ensuring systems, services, and spaces support students to thrive academically and socially.
MCrimCJ. Dip Couns. BPsycSc
Kate is a qualified and registered counsellor, whose priority is to connect with residents to ensure they receive their perfect college experience and balanced support and wellbeing care. She brings a wealth of experience from varied industries, such as her work for the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. With a lived understanding of tertiary education and living far from home and family, Kate is able to foster and establish a unique relationship with residents and advocate for and coordinator all aspects of their wellbeing.
The Union College Board is the governing body of Union College. Responsible for strategic direction, decision-making, and long-term sustainability, our Board comprises members of the university, alumni, and broader community, across education, finance, risk, legal and several other sectors.
Our Board commits itself to resident wellbeing and the overall success of the College. All members are Directors.
Board Chair Mrs Rebecca Freath
Board Members Professor Matthew Ball Mr James Doyle Ms Racquel Bushell Professor Joseph Grotowski Ms Sandra Hollingsworth Dr Craig Hume Mr Marcus Rau Dr Liam Smith Dr Nikola Stepanov
Before Fiona, Union College has been led by committed Heads of College whose leadership has influenced our culture, values, and community since our founding in 1947.
Following his tenure as Deputy Head of College, O’Brien reinforced and celebrated our college values by emphasising academic achievement, personal growth, and a sense of belonging within the community. During this period, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, he guided the College through rapidly evolving public health and teaching environments while ensuring residents stayed focused on their studies and connected to their community.
During her tenure, Hewitt prioritised community cohesion, pastoral care, and the daily student experience, helping residents balance their academic demands with personal growth and social connections. Leading Union College during a period that included the Global Financial Crisis, the 2011 Brisbane floods, and ongoing growth in university participation, she emphasised a supportive, resilient culture that assisted students in managing uncertainty and change in the city around them.
Fraser enhanced student support and community life, while also modernising our engagement with the wider university environment. As an alumnus of Union College, Fraser played a key role in updating the College’s connection with the broader university landscape, positioning it as a partner in UQ’s teaching and learning mission and as a welcoming space for students studying across multiple Brisbane institutions, in accordance with the College’s current role.
Bradbury led Union College through a significant period of growth, including the consolidation of our current St Lucia campus, and provided steady, long-term leadership that helped the College develop its role within The University of Queensland and the local community. During his tenure, Union College became Queensland's first co-educational residential college in 1968, reflecting its progressive mission and establishing a new standard for university accommodation in the state.
As the founding Head of College, Hickey established the core principles of a progressive and supportive residential community. He guided Union through its early Brisbane years and cultivated an inclusive, belonging-focused culture that still defines the College today. Hickey also built strong connections between the College and key community leaders, fostering a tradition of intellectual curiosity and service that initially shaped the College’s reputation.