Avondale University has undergone a period of significant transformation over the last few years, refining strategy and improving the student experience on both campuses. After COVID disrupted both student numbers and the sense of community on campus, revitalising the student experience became a clear priority. Initiatives like free dorm accommodation, the university ministry team, and the launch of 7 at Avondale have helped reshape the campus into a vibrant, connected community. What ties all these changes together is a commitment to developing belonging and a spiritually rich atmosphere where students feel truly at home.
Avondale’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated by its long-standing heritage and consistently strong student rankings. Avondale is currently ranked #1 university in Australia for full time employment, and #2 for overall educational experience (The 2025 Good Universities Guide). Recent improvements in the educational experience include new technology in classrooms, the ongoing adoption of new systems, integrating artificial intelligence, investment in the development of short courses, and increasing flexibility in learning delivery to better meet student needs.
Recently, the university received the highest level reregistration from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) — a 7-year term — affirming the quality and stability of our academic offerings. Avondale also received the highest re-registration term with the Adventist Accrediting Association, demonstrating the commitment from academic staff to excellence and to supporting the global Seventh-day Adventist Church community.
Campus Ministry
One of the clearest signs of this transformation is the approach to ministry now unfolding across both campuses. Our chaplaincy team and Avondale University Church have combined forces and created a unified university ministry team. The purpose being to ensure students feel supported in every aspect of their journey. “What we’re doing here at Avondale is really about shared focus, shared purpose, and a shared desire in what we see ministry achieving—for our students and our staff,” explains Pastor Aubree Harrington. She continues, “As amazing as programs and administration can be, what we really want to be is present with the student.” For Aubree, it’s about being intentional, authentic, and people focused.
The university ministry team includes two chaplains, three university church pastors, student life representatives, residential mentors, and student leaders. One of the things the team has intentionally done is slow the pace down—creating space for spiritual growth and time to connect with each other. “We believe in the ministry of presence. We believe that faith engagement and mentoring happen best when we’re in connection and community with each other,” says Pastor Norman Hurlow.
7 at Avondale
That same commitment to a student-centred experience can be seen at our revamped 7 at Avondale cafeteria on the Lake Macquarie campus. “The cafeteria fits perfectly with the university’s goals around campus life,” says Chief Students and Engagement Officer Kalvin Dever. “We use it to support students’ meals, but we also run events there, like Orientation Week, State of Origin nights, and other student-focused gatherings.” This space creates connection and activity, facilitating a vibrant on-campus experience of students and staff. Plans are underway to expand this further with live music, interactive events, and new ways to make mealtimes about more than just food. The goal is for the cafeteria to be a space where students naturally come together, to build friendships and make memories. We are grateful to donors who generously invested into making 7 at Avondale what it is today.
ACE Lab
The ACE Lab program introduced in 2022 provides an incredible launching pad into university life for first year students. This research-based initiative aims to foster character development in young people through experiential learning. It involves them in experiences that are challenging, focused on building belonging, and aimed at connecting them with service, nature, and God.
Free Accommodation
Perhaps the most transformative initiative has been the introduction of free accommodation for new students. Designed to reignite on-campus life, it’s had a powerful effect on community spirit. “Our dorms are full to overflowing,” shares Peta Tams, who co-manages the Ladies’ Residence. “Each year since the trial began, we’ve seen more and more students choosing to live on campus. And that makes all the difference... it’s those real-life connections, friendships, [and] shared faith experiences that make students want to stay.” The ripple effect is visible everywhere. “Why did we do free accommodation? First and foremost, it was about getting people back on campus,” adds Dever. “At the time, numbers were low,
and so was the vibe. We wanted a big campus feel, and free accommodation was a way to help make that happen.” Initially funded by the South Pacific Division, the free accommodation offer is certainly serving its purpose. “We’ve used Andre Hall for the first time in around 10 years, and in Watson Hall, guys are sharing rooms…You can walk around and see people studying, Bible studies, small groups here and there. It’s brought vibrancy back to campus, which is fabulous. Love it to be even higher, and we’re working on that,” says Dever.
Sydney Campus Accommodation
Avondale’s clinical education facility on the Sydney Adventist Hospital grounds continues to be an ideal connection point, offering nursing students access to placements at the largest private hospital in New South Wales. Particularly exciting is upcoming additional accommodation options on the Sydney campus. An AU$85 million construction project will deliver new student and staff accommodation, creating further opportunities for growth. The development is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Research
Avondale researchers continue to receive recognition for their substantial contributions. A recent example is the recognition of Professor Brett Mitchell AO and his research team, who were named finalists in the 2024 NSW Health Awards under the Health Research category for their world-first Cleaning and Enhanced Disinfection (CLEEN) Study. This pivotal research has made significant strides in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), contributing to both patient safety and cost savings for hospitals. Our three research centres – Christian Education Research Centre, Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre, and Scripture, Spirituality and Society Research Centre – produce purpose-driven research motivated by service and a greater vision of world needs.
What’s next?
Looking to the future, that sense of momentum continues to build. Spiritual unity, vibrant campus life, and bold, student-focused decisions are all pointing in the same direction. The challenges of the past haven’t disappeared, but the response has been encouraging, faith-led, and grounded in purpose. “We believe you need to belong, to sense belonging through your involvement,” reflects Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson, for whom, the renewed focus on student connection is part of a bigger story. “We need people with strong adaptive leadership willing to rethink how they do things, and I love how well our current team works that way.”
We believe you need to belong, to sense belonging through your involvement.
He also sees this moment as part of a long arc of growth which began many years ago. “Thinking about past teams, the decades-long effort towards university status, the support, diligence, and hard work of leadership, staff, and lecturers adding research to their workload—we’ve been developing and improving for a long time, and that will continue as long as we stay focused on why we exist.”
The Avondale team are deeply committed to working alongside our students and alumni toward the success of this university. At every turn, the purpose and direction of Avondale is rooted in Christ and the student experience, not just through programs or policies, but through people; students who feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Behind the scenes, our team is working diligently to create an environment where Avondale can thrive as a university that’s known and loved by all who study and work here. It’s a constant journey, one not without its challenges, but with God’s leading and a clear vision, we’re confident it will continue to grow and be a blessing to the communities that it serves.
Our commitment is motivated by a sense of mission and the values we hold so dear – excellence, spirituality, wellbeing, integrity, and service. We invite you to join us in transforming lives through Christ-centered higher education.