It is with great pride we announce that Mr. Alex McKenzie has been appointed Principal of Burgmann College at the Australian National University (ANU). Originally from Tamworth, New South Wales, Alex’s deep-rooted ties to regional Australia and his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity make him an ideal fit for this esteemed role.
Alex’s journey to Principal of Burgmann College is a testament to his outstanding leadership skills and his passion for student wellbeing. He attended Tamworth South Public School and Oxley High School, where he held the position of school captain. These formative years in Tamworth instilled in him a profound appreciation for regional and rural education access, particularly for those from public schools.
Alex chose to pursue a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at the Australian National University and resided in Burgmann during two years of his studies. “My time at Burgmann felt like home,” Alex said. “I love the diverse community here, where people from many different backgrounds are living and growing together.”
After graduating from the ANU, Alex spent several years in corporate and public sector jobs as a behavioural economist before coming back to work at Burgmann as the College Dean, then Deputy Principal, then Acting Principal, where he excelled in supporting the resident community and Burgmann staff.
In announcing Alex’s appointment, Burgmann Chair Greg Mills said, “Alex is a true believer in the value of an intentional residential learning community and is regarded by his peers as enthusiastic and ambitious for the College, yet empathetic and approachable.”
Burgmann College, established in 1971, has long championed respect, egalitarianism, and inclusivity. Burgmann is a progressive, inclusive community, guided by its ideals to open the world to its residents and to support them alongside their studies so they might realise their highest personal and academic potential.
The College offers scholarships and bursaries which enable students from less-advantaged backgrounds, including regional and rural students, to join the supportive Burgmann community. “We believe in removing the financial barriers to education because we know that education transforms the lives of individuals and communities,” said Amelia Zaraftis, Director of Advancement at Burgmann College. “We also know that diversity enriches the College community and experience.”
Alex said his favourite part of working at Burgmann is seeing the impact of the College’s guiding principles and ethos on its residents and staff. “It’s rewarding to be surrounded by over 350 talented and capable people and watching them grow in this unique residential learning community.”
The Burgmann College community looks forward to the continued growth and inclusivity that Principal McKenzie brings to his new role.
