About AIM
AIM Institute is committed to providing high-quality, accessible and student-focused education that supports the educational and professional needs of students and contributes to regional New South Wales.
Located in Richmond, within the City of Hawkesbury in New South Wales, AIM Institute provides a supportive learning environment for domestic and international students. Its location offers students the opportunity to study in a regional setting while remaining connected to the broader professional and economic opportunities of Greater Sydney.
As AIM Institute develops its higher education offering, it is committed to delivering academically rigorous programs that equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for professional practice and lifelong learning.
Governance
Our governance team is made up of both independent and executive members, all with higher education sector experience and expertise.
Board of Directors
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is an experienced higher education leader and academic with more than five decades of experience across teaching, academic leadership, quality assurance and governance. He has held senior roles at institutions including Griffith University, Western Sydney University and Group Colleges Australia, and has served as Chair or member of a number of academic and governing boards.
Associate Professor – Tom O’Connor
Associate Professor Tom O’Connor has extensive experience across secondary and higher education in Australia and internationally, including academic, curriculum and educational leadership roles. He is a Fellow of the UBSS Centre for Scholarship and Research and has held senior academic and special-projects roles at UBSS, with previous experience at Griffith University, Central Queensland University and institutions in the Middle East.
Associate Professor – Jignesh Bhavsar
Mr Jignesh Bhavsar is an education-sector professional and CEO of AIM Institute, with experience in the management and operation of multiple businesses.
Dr. Tim Weir, Academic Director
Dr Tim Weir is a higher education professional with experience in regulatory, governance and quality matters and in supporting tertiary education providers to navigate Australia’s regulatory environment. He is the Director of Teton Advisory Group and has worked with higher education providers on regulatory and institutional matters.
Academic Board
Professor Julian Teicher
Professor Julian Teicher is an experienced academic and higher education leader with a career spanning teaching, research and institutional leadership. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Institute of Higher Education, where he contributes to the Institute’s academic and strategic leadership.
Dr Stephen Scimonello
Dr Stephen Scimonello is an experienced building surveying professional and academic with more than 25 years’ experience as a registered building practitioner, alongside expertise in statutory planning, compliance, accreditation and education. He holds a PhD from Victoria University and currently serves as Academic and Accreditation Policy Manager with the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
Ms Poppy Whateley
Ms Poppy Whateley is an education and higher education professional with experience in operations, compliance, communications and institutional management. She has held senior operational and executive roles in the education sector and currently works in quality and compliance at the Crown Institute of Higher Education.
Organisational Structure
