Board of Directors
Dr Ron Neller
PhD, Docenti, BA(Hons)
Director ACTE Ltd.
Ron has previously worked at the University of New England, Griffith University, Queensland University, University of the Sunshine Coast, Turku University (Finland), and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (China). He initiated and directed a research institute in environmental sustainability and established two research stations in natural resource management, been a member of Australian State and National Advisory Committees in natural heritage management, as well as working with the OECD and numerous international aid agencies.
My expertise includes fluvial and coastal geomorphology, urban hydrology, sedimentary processes, river processes, and catchment management. Having extensively worked in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Pacific the need for a world recognised and impactful Christian university that brings glory to God, is paramount. This can be achieved with a university founded on a Christian social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and living environment. I pray that I am able to serve the Lord in preparing tomorrow’s leaders who ‘seek purpose and wisdom’ in Christ’s name.
Dr Phil Doecke
PhD, MEd, GradDipTh(inEd), BEd
Director ACTE Ltd.
Phil has previously worked as Head of Physical Education (University of Papua New Guinea), Chair of Kinesiology, Health & Physical Education (Biola University USA), and Program Director of Education & Disability (RMIT University Melbourne). Further, he was appointed as a curriculum consultant to the Education Department of Papua New Guinea. His expertise includes education and disability, physical education and health education curriculum, and sports psychology. He has contributed to strong advocacy of disability teacher education and inclusion of special needs learners.
I am committed to being a member of the leadership team for Australian Christian Tertiary Education Ltd, a company which purposes to establish a multidisciplined Christian university in Australia. I believe in encouraging Christian scholars to engage in intellectual pursuits for God’s glory, and for an enriched understanding of His creation. With His help I seek to contribute effectively to the achievement of this facility here in Australia.
Dr Mark Porter
PhD, BEng(Ag), FIEAust, PCertTheol
Director ACTE Ltd.
Mark has previously worked at the University of Melbourne, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. He was the foundation Professor and Head of Engineering at The University of the Sunshine Coast and founding Co-Director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments, one of the core research centres established at USQ. His expertise includes Water Resources Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, Hydraulics, Soil Physics, Irrigation System Design, Dam Construction, EnvironmentalImpact Assessment, and Environmental Awareness.
I consider some of my main achievements to be the instigation of a major research centre at one university and an entire engineering program at another. My experience has shown that young Christian men and women need support during their studies to prepare them for a world where faith is often in conflict with professional goals and values. It is evident that a broad-based university that truly develops the whole person– spiritual, emotional, and moral as well as mental attributes - is needed. I think that need is urgent and of eternal significance. It is worthy of prayer and our efforts to make it happen.
Australian Christian Tertiary Education Ltd. (ACTE)
ABN 31 645 515 662
ACN 645 515 662
Charity: Registered as a Charitable Institution in all States
The charitable purpose of ACTE is the advancement of Christian tertiary education, with an initial focus on Australia, Asia and the Pacific.
A key vision of ACTE is to establish a non-denominational Christian tertiary institution, to be world recognised and influential in teaching, research and community engagement, that brings glory to God.