Emeritus Professor John A. Hay was Vice-Chancellor of The University of Queensland from 1996 to 2008.
At The University of Queensland he developed major new initiatives in teaching and research, including establishing the institutes of molecular bioscience, brain research, bio-engineering and nano-technology, clinical research, sustainable mining and many others. He also established the new Mayne Centre Art Gallery and Australia's first national collection of artists' self-portraits.
He currently chairs the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (having chaired its predecessor bodies, the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching, the Australian Universities Teaching Council and the Australian Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development) and the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees.
He presently chairs or is a member of a number of state, national and international committees, including the National Library of Australia, and others ranging across many disciplines from the performing arts to science, technology, innovation, philanthropy, health, information systems, libraries, city planning and economic development.
In 2003 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for contributions to Australian higher education. In 2004 Professor Hay was made a Companion in the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours list. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian College of Educators.