The inaugural AHEIA Higher Education Awards were held on 16 May 2024 at the AHEIA Conference in Cairns, Australia.

The awards celebrate exceptional talent, dedication and innovation in the higher education sector.

The Lifetime Achievement Award - This award honours an individual whose career-long efforts and personal dedication have significantly impacted the landscape of higher education. 

2024 Winner: Nigel Waugh

The Rising Star Award - Recognising a newer member of higher education sector who has demonstrated potential for significant impact in their field, showing promise that signifies a bright future our sector. 

2024 Winner: Keely Elliott, Southern Cross University.

Dynamic Debut Award - This category celebrates a senior leader who is new to the sector, but has already made notable contributions through dynamic leadership and innovative approaches. 

2024 Winner: Joe Chalouhi, University of Wollongong.

Team Excellence Award - Enterprise Bargaining - This award is dedicated to a team that has exemplified outstanding collaboration, negotiation, and strategic success in the realm of enterprise bargaining on behalf of their institution. 

2024 Winner: Newcastle University: Martin Sainsbury and Ruth Hartmann.

Leadership Excellence Award - Honouring an individual who has exhibited exceptional leadership qualities, influencing significant positive changes and advancements within their institution and the sector as a whole. 

2024 Winner: Anna Phillips, Monash University.

Service Excellence Award - Honouring the contribution of AHEIA's President from 2021 - 2024.

Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University.