James Cook University accelerates digital roadmap and cyber uplift

James Cook University is pursuing a digital refresh and a new cyber security strategy under new digital leadership.

The Far-North Queensland-based university is looking to streamline its applications, systems and processes, as well as “identify major digital gaps” over the next five years.

Its cyber security program, meanwhile, will "ensure that JCU remains resilient against emerging threats and maintains robust cyber and data protection standards".

The strategy will be led by new chief digital officer Felipe Duncan, who replaces the outgoing Geoff Purcell, who announced his retirement last month.

Duncan joined JCU in 2022 as digital applications delivery partner, overseeing a team of 50-plus people, and with responsibility for the application estate and for DevSecOps.

He was formerly head of student digital solutions at the university, and before that led ERP platforms at the NSW Department of Education.

His predecessor, Purcell, started several IT and digital programs, which aimed to boost the university's workplace and application teams.

JCU deputy vice chancellor of service and resources Tricia Brand said Purcell “built a talented team and introduced an IT operating model into JCU along with an agile approach to delivery planning."

“Geoff has left JCU in a fundamentally better position and JCU and the technology solutions team are poised to step up to deliver the next-generation digital experience," Brand said.

Duncan will continue Purcell’s work, creating “initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency across the university”.

In addition, Duncan will be tasked with driving a “digital-first agenda across all learning, teaching, research, and corporate functions at JCU, ensuring that digital transformation is at the core of the university's operations”.

He will also focus on integrating technology functions and teams across JCU’s operations in Far-North Queensland, Brisbane and Singapore.