Duncan Bentley is Federation University’s Vice-Chancellor and President who believes a dual-sector regional university sits at the heart of its communities, playing a core role in their prosperity and growth.

Throughout his career Professor Bentley has supported universities to grow through design thinking, digital innovation, deep community engagement and long-term global partnerships.

He comes to Federation from a distinguished academic career at Swinburne University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

There, he led the academic, international, online and Indigenous portfolios. He is known for his national leadership in lifelong learning so that everyone can develop the skills to thrive in a digital society, beginning in early childhood and continuing throughout life, inspired by curiosity, giving life to dreams.

Previously at Victoria University he had oversight of vocational education, external engagement and international. He believes that the happiest and most successful organisations and communities are diverse and inclusive.

Growing up on coffee plantations and game reserves in Africa, he champions adoption of technologies to support sustainability. Professor Bentley completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Cape Town.

He went on to complete a Master of Laws from the University of London, Master of Laws (Corporate and Commercial) and PhD from Bond University.