Quality in an academic context means doing what you are supposed to do, what you promised to do and what you need to do ... professionally, consistently and enthusiastically.

That's according to Professor Gabriel Donleavy, who has just been appointed as Dean, Academic and Quality for CQUniversity Australia.

Professor Gabriel Donleavy

"The hard part of a quality job is the engagement of those who need help in progressing upward to the median and this requires an unusual combination of firmness and delicacy but it has to be done," Professor Donleavy says.

In announcing the new appointment, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennelle Kyd said Professor Donleavy would divide his time between his new role and his ongoing duties as Professor of Accounting and Head of School of Commerce and Marketing.

"I look forward to working with Professor Donleavy and welcome him to this new position in the University," Professor Kyd said.

"Since joining CQUniversity, Professor Donleavy has proactively contributed to many areas of academic governance, quality and leadership and will make a valuable and relevant contribution to the University through this new role."

Professor Donleavy has degrees from Cambridge University, the University of Glasgow and the University of London.

He has a distinguished academic career, having held academic appointments in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Australia.

Throughout his career he has published extensively, led the development of academic programs, provided expert advice through consultancies and held several editorial positions.