Charles Sturt University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Charles Sturt University has 5 executives leading key functions including advancement, foundation management, financial advisory, operational coordination, and student representation.

Committed to regional educational excellence, Charles Sturt University delivers diverse academic qualifications across Australia through innovative on-campus and online study modes to empower students.

Leadership Roles at Charles Sturt University

  • Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation - Sarah Ansell
  • Chief Financial Officer, Advisory - Aidan Hughes
  • Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Kimbalee Morris
  • President Rivcoll Src - Hannah Morriss
  • Deputy Director - Stephen Loftus
  • Sarah Ansell - Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation

    Sarah Ansell, the Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation at Charles Sturt University, directs all philanthropic initiatives and strategic fundraising efforts. Overseeing the foundation, the Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation secures vital resources to support research and student scholarships across regional campuses. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and corporate partners to expand the university's financial capacity. By aligning donor interests with academic priorities, Sarah Ansell directly impacts the institution's ability to provide high-quality education in agriculture, medicine, and technology. The Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation manages complex endowment portfolios while ensuring transparency in all fiscal activities. Through these efforts, the foundation strengthens the university's long-term sustainability and community engagement across New South Wales, ultimately fostering a robust environment for academic growth and innovation within the broader Australian higher education sector.

    Aidan Hughes - Chief Financial Officer, Advisory

    Aidan Hughes, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory at Charles Sturt University, directs financial planning and provides strategic fiscal guidance to the executive leadership team. Overseeing complex budgetary frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory ensures the institution maintains financial health while investing in critical areas like veterinary science, engineering, and law. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform long-term investment decisions and resource allocation. By optimizing financial structures, Aidan Hughes supports the university's ability to deliver high-quality research and teaching. The Chief Financial Officer, Advisory collaborates with the Board to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and fiscal transparency. Through rigorous financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer, Advisory mitigates risks and identifies opportunities for growth across the university's six campuses. This strategic oversight remains essential for sustaining the institution's competitive position in the Australian higher education market and ensuring the continued delivery of diverse academic qualifications.

    Kimbalee Morris - Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Kimbalee Morris, the Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Charles Sturt University, coordinates high-level administrative functions and facilitates communication across the university's operational divisions. Overseeing the daily activities of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer ensures that strategic directives translate into actionable tasks for departments ranging from arts and communication to policing and security. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules, preparing executive briefings, and fostering collaboration between senior leaders. By maintaining organizational coherence, Kimbalee Morris supports the efficient delivery of educational services across all campuses. The Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer monitors progress on key institutional projects, ensuring alignment with the university's mission. Through meticulous attention to detail and process management, the Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and the enhancement of the student experience.

    Hannah Morriss - President Rivcoll Src

    Hannah Morriss, the President Rivcoll Src at Charles Sturt University, represents the student body and advocates for the interests of the university community. Overseeing student-led initiatives, the President Rivcoll Src ensures that the voices of learners are heard by the university administration. This leadership role involves organizing events, managing student resources, and promoting engagement across various academic disciplines, including psychology, theology, and Islamic studies. By facilitating dialogue between students and faculty, Hannah Morriss enhances the overall campus experience and fosters a sense of community. The President Rivcoll Src works to address student concerns regarding academic support and campus facilities, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the needs of its diverse population. Through active participation in university governance, the President Rivcoll Src contributes to the development of policies that improve student outcomes. This role remains vital for maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages academic success and personal development for all students.

    Stephen Loftus - Deputy Director

    Stephen Loftus, the Deputy Director at Charles Sturt University, manages operational workflows and supports the execution of institutional advancement strategies. Overseeing internal processes, the Deputy Director ensures alignment between departmental goals and the broader mission of providing accessible education. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to optimize service delivery for students across diverse disciplines like IT, computing, and social work. By streamlining administrative functions, Stephen Loftus enhances the efficiency of university operations. The Deputy Director maintains rigorous standards for project management, ensuring that all initiatives support the university's regional presence. Through consistent oversight of daily activities, the Deputy Director facilitates seamless collaboration between academic departments and administrative units. This focus on operational excellence allows the university to maintain high standards in both on-campus and online learning environments, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the institution's educational programs and its impact on regional communities.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Charles Sturt University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Charles Sturt University?
    Charles Sturt University is led by Sarah Ansell (Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation), along with executives such as Aidan Hughes (Chief Financial Officer, Advisory) and Kimbalee Morris (Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Charles Sturt University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Charles Sturt University includes leaders such as Sarah Ansell (Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation), Aidan Hughes (Chief Financial Officer, Advisory), Kimbalee Morris (Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Charles Sturt University have?
    Charles Sturt University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Charles Sturt University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Charles Sturt University includes roles such as Director, Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sturt Foundation, Chief Financial Officer, Advisory, Executive Officer, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, President Rivcoll Src, Deputy Director.