Mr Paul Jeans, a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University by the University of Newcastle at one of its July 2024 graduation ceremonies for outstanding services to the University and the Newcastle community. He served as the seventh Chancellor of the University of Newcastle for a decade before stepping down in October 2023.

A Novocastrian, Mr Jeans graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Newcastle University College of UNSW. His career in industry included more than 40 years with BHP during which he served in numerous executive roles, including the formation of BHP Engineering, becoming its Chief Executive Officer, going on to become the CEO of three of BHP’s steel divisions (including Newcastle and Port Kembla), and then serving as the CEO of BHP’s iron ore and manganese businesses. ”

During his tenure as the Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Mr Jeans provided leadership and direction for many of the institution’s achievements and future investments, including the opening of start-of-the-art new facilities such as NUSpace and the Central Coast Clinical School.

Paul Jeans is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Royal Society of NSW. While Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Mr Jeans played a prominent role in the establishment of the Hunter Branch of the Royal Society of NSW, serving as the inaugural chair of the Branch Committee for two years from 2020.

The Council of the Royal Society of NSW extends its sincere congratulations to Paul Jeans on this award and this recognition of his pre-eminent contributions to the University of Newcastle and the Hunter region.