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Professor Andrew O’Neil commences as Executive Dean, Faculty of Law and Business

Professor Andrew O’Neil will capitalise on a deep knowledge of the Australian higher education sector and a globally recognised research background in political science and international relations in his new role as ACU’s Executive Dean, Faculty of Law and Business.

Professor O’Neil will lead the faculty through the next stage of its development, driving excellence in education, research, and external engagement. The appointment follows a period of innovation and growth for the faculty which has recently launched a refreshed Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Human Rights and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice courses.

ACU will draw on Professor O’Neil’s wealth of experience of the sector’s evolving landscape and related policy settings as collaborations around human rights, commerce, defence and climate take on increasing importance in the strengthening of international relationships. He is a strong leader with a high academic standing and a proven capacity to drive change to achieve organisational strategic objectives.

Previously at Griffith University, he was Professor of Political Science and Acting Dean of the Graduate Research School. Other positions held included; Dean (Research) in the Business School, Head of the School of Government and International Relations and Director of the Griffith Asia Institute.

In recent years he co-authored two books: Partners in Deterrence: US Nuclear Weapons and Alliances in Europe and Asia and Alliances, Nuclear Weapons and Escalation: Managing Deterrence in the 21^st Century.

Professor O’Neil entered academia in 2000 at Flinders University, following his tenure at the Commonwealth Department of Defence. His research interests include alliances, nuclear weapons, theories of deterrence and escalation, Asia-Pacific, Australian foreign and defence policy.

Professor O’Neil has also held external appointments including membership of the Australian Research Council College of Experts, Register of Experts, Terrorism (High Risk Offenders), NSW Department of Communities and Justice and Chair of the Australian Business Deans Council Research Network.