View source for James Cook University

{{Short description|Public university in North Queensland, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = James Cook University
 | image_name             = James Cook University Armorial Ensigns.png
 | image_upright          = .8
 | caption                = [[Coat of arms]]
 | latin_name             = 
 | motto                  = {{langx|la|Crescente Luce}}<ref name="Arms and Motto">{{Cite web |date=8 July 2020 |title=James Cook University's Motto and Coat of Arms |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/james-cook-university-logo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725180935/https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/james-cook-university-logo |archive-date=25 July 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | motto_lang             = lat
 | mottoeng               = "Light ever increasing"<ref name="Arms and Motto"/>
 | established            = 1961 (university college)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brief history of JCU (1957-2008) |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/history/brief-history-of-jcu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504010515/https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/history/brief-history-of-jcu |archive-date=4 May 2018 |access-date=5 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>{{br}}1970 (university status)<ref name="Timeline">{{Cite web |date=4 July 2024 |title=Timeline - Celebrating 50 Years |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/celebrating-50-years/timeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722000830/https://www.jcu.edu.au/celebrating-50-years/timeline |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | free_label             = Named after
 | free                   = [[James Cook]]<ref name="Arms and Motto"/>
 | former_names           = {{ubl |University College of Townsville<ref name="Timeline"/>{{br}}(1961–1970) |James Cook University of North Queensland<ref name="Timeline"/>{{br}}(1970–1998) }}
 | type                   = [[Public university|Public]] [[research university]]
 | chancellor             = Ngaire Brown<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2024 |title=The Chancellor |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/governance/the-chancellor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518132719/https://www.jcu.edu.au/governance/the-chancellor |archive-date=18 May 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | vice_chancellor        = Simon Biggs<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 June 2022 |title=Biography |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/office-of-the-vice-chancellor-and-president/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722000716/https://www.jcu.edu.au/office-of-the-vice-chancellor-and-president/biography |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | address                = 1 James Cook Drive
 | city                   = [[Townsville]]
 | state                  = [[Queensland]]
 | postalcode             = 4814
 | country                = [[Australia]] and [[Singapore]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2024 |title=Campus Contact Information |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/contact-us/campus-contacts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722000734/https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/contact-us/campus-contacts |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | campus                 = [[Urban area|Urban]], [[Verdant universities|parkland]] and [[Rural area|regional]] with multiple sites
 | total_staff            = 
 | students               = 21,207 (2023)<ref name="AnnualReport2023">{{Cite web |date=February 2024 |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/2142600/2023-JCU-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815234541/https://www.jcu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/2142600/2023-JCU-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=5 September 2024 |website=James Cook University |page=40 |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>
 | undergrad              = 13,098 (2021)<!--Needs update and source.-->{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
 | postgrad               = 5,193 (2021)<!--Needs update and source.-->{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
 | doctoral               = <!--Needs data.-->
 | other                  = <!--Needs data.-->
 | faculty                = <!--Needs data.-->
 | administrative_staff   = <!--Needs data.-->
 | coor                   = {{Coord|19|19|40|S|146|45|30|E|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|display=title,inline}}
 | colours                = <span style="background:#176fc1; border:1px; color:#fff; padding:2px 16px;">Blue</span>&nbsp;<span style="background:#e7b20f; border:1px; color:#000; padding:2px 16px;">Gold</span><ref name="Arms and Motto"/>
 | sporting_affiliations  = {{hlist |[[UniSport]] |[[Australian Institute of Sport#Elite Athlete Education Network|EAEN]] }}
 | sports_nickname        = 
 | accreditation          = [[TEQSA]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Cook University |url=https://www.teqsa.gov.au/provider/james-cook-university |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410180516/https://www.teqsa.gov.au/provider/james-cook-university |archive-date=10 April 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=[[Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]}}</ref>
 | affiliation            = 
 | academic_affiliation   = [[Innovative Research Universities]] (IRU)
 | endowment              = 
 | budget                 = {{AUD}}648 [[million]] (2023)<ref name="AnnualReport2023"/>
 | logo_size              = 200px
 | website                = [https://www.jcu.edu.au/ jcu.edu.au]
 | footnotes              = 
 | mascot                 = James<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2016 |title=JCU: James Cook University, Australia |url=https://www.facebook.com/jamescookuniversity/photos/james-our-jcutownsville-mascot-is-getting-keen-for-tonights-nrlfinals-at-1300-sm/10154700184711178/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904225708/https://www.facebook.com/jamescookuniversity/photos/james-our-jcutownsville-mascot-is-getting-keen-for-tonights-nrlfinals-at-1300-sm/10154700184711178/ |archive-date=4 September 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=[[Facebook]] |publisher=James Cook University |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Townsville]], [[Queensland]]}}</ref>{{br}}Koalion<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.jcu.edu.sg/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2065447/JCUS-Annual-Report-2022-final.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516153903/https://www.jcu.edu.sg/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2065447/JCUS-Annual-Report-2022-final.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=[[James Cook University Singapore]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Singapore]]}}</ref>
 | logo                   = Logotype of James Cook University.svg
 | logo_upright           = .8
}}

'''James Cook University''' ('''JCU''') is a [[public university]] in [[North Queensland]], Australia. The second oldest university in [[Queensland]], JCU is a teaching and research institution. The university's main campuses are located in the tropical cities of [[Cairns]] and [[Townsville]], and one in the [[city state]] of [[Singapore]]. JCU also has study centres in [[Mount Isa]], [[Mackay, Queensland|Mackay]], [[Thursday Island]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-08|title=Tropical research centre opens on Thursday Island|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2018/november/tropical-research-centre-opens-on-thursday-island|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917044244/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2018/november/tropical-research-centre-opens-on-thursday-island|url-status=live}}</ref> and Rockhampton.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-23|title=JCU expands to Rockhampton|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2016/august/jcu-expands-to-rockhampton|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029134013/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2016/august/jcu-expands-to-rockhampton|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Brisbane]] campus, operated by Russo Higher Education, delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to international students. The university's main fields of research include environmental sciences, biological sciences, mathematical sciences, earth sciences, agricultural and veterinary sciences, technology and medical and health sciences.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-08|title=Study Areas|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses-and-study|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412224033/https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses-and-study|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:James Cook University Cairns.JPG|thumb|James Cook University, Cairns]]
In 1957, Professor [[John Douglas Story]], vice chancellor of the [[University of Queensland]], proposed a regional university college be established to cater to the people of North Queensland. At that time, the only higher education providers were located in the state capital, [[Brisbane]]. On 27 February 1961, the '''University College of Townsville''' was opened.

The university became the ''James Cook University of North Queensland'' with the passage of an [[Act of parliament|act]] by the [[Queensland Parliament]].<ref>''[https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-1970-019 James Cook University of North Queensland Act 1970]'' (Qld), via legislation.qld.gov.au.</ref> It was [[Royal assent|assented]] by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] herself on 20 April 1970 during a royal visit to Queensland, with the Queen also officially opening the university.<ref name="City Council">{{cite web |title=Townsville History (City Council) |url=http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/heritage/heritage_chronology3.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015120904/http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/heritage/heritage_chronology3.asp |archive-date=15 October 2007 |access-date=18 October 2007}}</ref>

In 2020, James Cook University celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Treasures exhibition, showcasing 50 collection items from Special Collections, Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, James Cook University, Townsville.

The rare collection item – 'James Cook University Development: Pimlico to the First Chancellor archival footage, 1960 – 1970' was one of the Treasures selected for the anniversary year. The 12min film preserved on NQHeritage, the University Library's Special Collections online repository, shows footage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the official ceremony and being introduced to the official party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2022 |title=James Cook University Development: Pimlico to the first Chancellor [archival footage, 1960–1970] |url=https://nqheritage.jcu.edu.au/749/ |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=James Cook University NQHeritage@JCU |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317141733/https://nqheritage.jcu.edu.au/749/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Their Royal Highnesses first appear in the film at 6:06 minutes.<ref>{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/state-queensland-welcomes-royalty-1970-part-2-coastal-tour|title=The state of Queensland welcomes royalty in 1970 – Part 2 The Coastal Tour|date=6 May 2022|author(s)=Anne Scheu|access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>

The namesake is British sea captain [[James Cook]], who is best known for being the first European to explore the eastern coast of Australia.  A year after JCU's proclamation, [[Cyclone Althea]] struck the Townsville region. This, together with the destruction caused by [[Cyclone Tracy]] in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] 1974, prompted the establishment of a cyclone research facility.<ref name="City Council" /><ref name="CTS">{{cite web|url=http://www.eng.jcu.edu.au/csts/aboutus_history.htm|title=Cyclone Testing Station|access-date=17 October 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023103701/http://eng.jcu.edu.au/csts/aboutus_history.htm|archive-date=23 October 2007}}</ref> The Cyclone Testing Station started out as a small project of Professor Hugh Trollope and began its operations on 1 November 1977 as ''James Cook Cyclone Structural Testing Station''.<ref name="CTS" /> Its name was later changed to ''The Cyclone Testing Station'' in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-10-23|title=Cyclone Testing Station|url=http://eng.jcu.edu.au/csts/aboutus_history.htm|access-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023103701/http://eng.jcu.edu.au/csts/aboutus_history.htm|archive-date=23 October 2007}}</ref> The Cyclone Testing Station operates as a self funded unit of the College of Science, Technology and Engineering.

On 1 January 1982, JCU amalgamated with The Townsville [[College of Advanced Education]] located adjacent to the main campus in [[Douglas, Queensland|Douglas]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=JCU Library Archives|url=http://libserver.jcu.edu.au/specials/Archives/tcae.html|access-date=2021-04-07|website=libserver.jcu.edu.au|language=en|archive-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402100052/https://libserver.jcu.edu.au/specials/Archives/tcae.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The university established a campus in [[Cairns]] in 1987 which moved to its current location in the suburb of [[Smithfield, Queensland|Smithfield]] in 1995. On 1 January 1991, the School of Art and Design of the Townsville College of [[TAFE]] was transferred to JCU.<ref name="Academic Transcript">On reverse side of all JCU official ''Statement of Academic Record'' sheets printed after January 1998.</ref> The current name of ''James Cook University'' became official on 1 January 1998.<ref name="HE Legislation">{{cite web|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/LIBRARY/pubs/bd/1998-99/99bd009.htm |title=Higher Education Legislation 1998 |access-date=18 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911032529/http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/1998-99/99bd009.htm |archive-date=11 September 2006 }}</ref> In 2003 the university opened an international campus in [[Singapore]]. The university further expanded its presence by establishing another campus in [[Brisbane]], Queensland in 2006.

JCU Singapore moved campuses in February 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-19|title=JCU Singapore moves to new campus|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media111113|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028202318/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media111113|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hon. [[Tony Abbott]] MP, [[Prime Minister of Australia]] officially opened the new JCU Singapore campus at 149 Sims Drive on 28 June 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-07-02|title=Australian Prime Minister opened new JCU Singapore campus|url=https://www.jcu.edu.sg/news/releases/australian-prime-minister-opened-new-jcu-singapore-campus|access-date=2021-04-07|website=www.jcu.edu.sg|language=en-AU|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507231440/https://www.jcu.edu.sg/news/releases/australian-prime-minister-opened-new-jcu-singapore-campus|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, JCU opened the JCU Townsville City campus.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-19|title=JCU expands into Townsville's CBD|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media1116|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022031519/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media1116|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, JCU opened the JCU Cairns, Bada-jali campus in Cairns CBD.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-07|title=JCU launches its new Cairns City Campus|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/april/jcu-launches-its-new-cairns-city-campus|access-date=2021-04-07|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805213146/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2017/april/jcu-launches-its-new-cairns-city-campus|url-status=live}}</ref>

JCU celebrated its 50th anniversary on 20 April 2020. To honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing contribution to the university, JCU gave Indigenous names to a number of its locations:

* The Townsville (Douglas) campus was named Bebegu Yumba, meaning 'Place of Learning' in the Birri-Gubba language.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-04|title=JCU's Townsville campus Indigenous name unveiled|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-townsville-campus-indigenous-name-unveiled|access-date=2021-04-20|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511144446/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-townsville-campus-indigenous-name-unveiled|url-status=live}}</ref> 
* The Cairns (Smithfield) campus was named Nguma-bada, meaning 'Place for tomorrow's learning, knowledge and wisdom' from the Yirrgay (Yirrganydji) coastal dialect of Djabugay.<ref name="jcu.edu.au">{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=Yirrganydji names for JCU's Cairns campuses|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/yirrganydji-names-for-jcus-cairns-campuses|access-date=2021-04-20|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420234027/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/yirrganydji-names-for-jcus-cairns-campuses|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The Cairns City campus has been named Bada-jali, meaning 'Flowering of the Cocky Apple tree: Place and time for new beginnings and growth', from the Yirrgay (Yirrganydji) coastal dialect of Djabugay.<ref name="jcu.edu.au"/>
* The Mount Isa campus was named Murtupuni, meaning 'to come together, gather together' in the Kalkadoon language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-09 |title=JCU's Mount Isa campus indigenous name unveiled |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-mt-isa-campus-indigenous-name-unveiled |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924123935/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-mt-isa-campus-indigenous-name-unveiled |archive-date=24 September 2021 |access-date=2021-04-20 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU}}</ref>
* The Mackay campus was named Ngudya Yamba, meaning 'place of knowledge' in the Yuwi language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Mackay JCU campuses gifted Indigenous name |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2023/may/mackay-jcu-campuses-gifted-indigenous-name |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=James Cook University |language=en-AU}}</ref>

An Indigenous language name is still to be announced for the JCU Thursday Island campus.

In the early hours of 4 April 2019, a large fire broke out in the A Wing of University Hall requiring the evacuation of over 200 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/april/update-overnight-fire-at-jcu-townsville-campus|title=Update: overnight fire at JCU Townsville campus|date=4 April 2019|website=James Cook University|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416054837/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/april/update-overnight-fire-at-jcu-townsville-campus|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> There were no serious injuries, although several students were treated for smoke inhalation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville/we-thought-it-was-a-drill-200-students-in-fire-emergency/news-story/bcf668464203de993556d0daf6106973|title='We thought it was a drill': 200 students in fire emergency|last=Garvey|first=Cas|date=4 April 2019|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref> Immediately following the fire, the university rushed to find emergency housing for the residents affected. The renovation of the closed Clark Wing at St. Mark's College and construction of the new 'The Village' housing precinct began, and provided replacement housing for all residents from the A and B Wings of University Hall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/april/townsville-campus-fire-update-permanent-accommodation-arrangements|title=Townsville campus fire update: permanent accommodation arrangements|date=9 April 2019|website=James Cook University|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416054835/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/april/townsville-campus-fire-update-permanent-accommodation-arrangements|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=live|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

==Campuses and buildings==
James Cook University operates three main campuses, located in the tropical cities of [[Cairns]] and [[Townsville]] in Australia, and the international city of [[Singapore]]. JCU's Brisbane campus offers courses for international students. The university also operates study centres in [[Mackay, Queensland|Mackay]], [[Mount Isa]], [[Thursday Island]] and [[Rockhampton]]. These study centres provide programs and support for students living in rural and remote areas.

===JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada Campus, Smithfield===
JCU's Cairns, Nguma-bada campus is located 15&nbsp;kilometres north of the [[Cairns]] central business district, in the suburb of [[Smithfield, Queensland|Smithfield]]. JCU moved to this location from its original inner-city site in 1995. About 3,000 students study at JCU Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, Smithfield, including 335 international students. Located on the campus grounds are the Australian Tropical Herbarium, JCU Dental and The Cairns Institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ath.org.au/ |title=Home |website=ath.org.au |access-date=8 May 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506091010/https://www.ath.org.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jcudental.com/ |title=Home |website=jcudental.com |access-date=8 May 2021 |archive-date=27 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827143710/http://www.jcudental.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cairnsinstitute.jcu.edu.au/ |title=Home |website=cairnsinstitute.jcu.edu.au |access-date=8 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508022331/https://www.cairnsinstitute.jcu.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The JCU Ideas Lab was completed in July, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-04|title=JCU's Ideas Lab – officially open for business|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-ideas-lab-officially-open-for-business|access-date=2021-05-08|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508081748/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2020/december/jcus-ideas-lab-officially-open-for-business|url-status=live}}</ref> The $30M eco-friendly building brings together students, staff and community entrepreneurs to progress Internet of Things Engineering and data science. In 2023, the first cohort of Medicine students commenced in Cairns.

A second campus, JCU Cairns, Bada-jali campus, is located in Cairns' CBD. The campus delivers a diverse range of progressive facilities and services for the university.

===JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, Douglas===
JCU's Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus is the university's largest campus and is located on 386 hectares in the suburb of [[Douglas, Queensland|Douglas]], near the army base and the lee of Mount Stuart. Originally located in the suburb of Pimlico, the university moved to its current site in 1967. Over 10,000 students study at the JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, including over 1,300 international students. Adjacent to the university is the [[Townsville Hospital]].

The Discovery Rise<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoveryrise.com.au/|title=Discovery Rise|access-date=15 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227171403/http://www.discoveryrise.com.au/|archive-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> project was announced in September 2007.<ref name="Discovery Rise1">{{cite web|url=http://www.jcu.edu.au/top/JCUPRD_014752.html|title=Discovery Rise Media Release|access-date=18 October 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070902183717/http://www.jcu.edu.au/top/JCUPRD_014752.html  |archive-date = 2 September 2007}}</ref> The $1 [[1,000,000,000 (number)|billion]] project, aimed at redeveloping the university's Townsville campus, was completed in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/30/2019417.htm |title=ABC News: James Cook Uni plans Townsville campus facelift |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=30 August 2007 |access-date=26 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219171305/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/30/2019417.htm |archive-date=19 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="Discovery Rise2">{{cite web|url=http://www.discoveryrise.com.au/JCUDEV_014803.html |title=Discovery Rise Timeline |access-date=18 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908085321/http://www.discoveryrise.com.au/JCUDEV_014803.html |archive-date=8 September 2007 }}</ref> The Eddie Koiki Mabo Library (built in 1968 and extended in 1990) has received the 25 Year Architecture Award presented by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects – Queensland Chapter.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=Mabo Library History, Architecture and Awards|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/library/about/locations/Mabo-Library-History|access-date=2021-05-08|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117100839/https://www.jcu.edu.au/library/about/locations/Mabo-Library-History|url-status=live}}</ref> It also has been recognised as one of Australia's ten most iconic buildings alongside structures as the [[Sydney Opera House]] and the [[Shrine of Remembrance]] in [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Sophie|last=Hill|date=2018-01-12|title=Australia's top 10 iconic architectural sites|url=https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/australia-s-top-10-iconic-architectural-sites|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110092547/https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/australia-s-top-10-iconic-architectural-sites|archive-date=10 November 2020|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Pursuit|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-11|title=Mabo Library History, Architecture and Awards|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/library/about/locations/Mabo-Library-History|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117100839/https://www.jcu.edu.au/library/about/locations/Mabo-Library-History|archive-date=17 November 2020|access-date=2020-11-10|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU}}</ref>

In 2015, the JCU Townsville City campus was opened in Townsville's CBD on Flinders Street. The campus delivers a diverse range of progressive facilities and services for the university, business and community organisations.

Construction of the Technology Innovation Complex (TIC) began in March 2021. The 94m, 9,400sqm facility "will be the centrepiece of an innovation hub in which undergraduate and post-graduate engineering and IT students, industry partners and researchers will converge and collaborate".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-23|title=BESIX Watpac to build JCU's Technology Innovation Complex|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2021/february/besix-watpac-to-build-jcus-technology-innovation-complex|access-date=2021-05-08|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508024524/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2021/february/besix-watpac-to-build-jcus-technology-innovation-complex|url-status=live}}</ref>

TropiQ, Townsville's Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, is "a community dedicated to helping the world access, understand and benefit from breakthroughs and solutions in health and tropical science".<ref>{{Cite web|title=About TropiQ|url=https://tropiq.com.au/about-tropiq/|access-date=2021-05-08|website=TropiQ|language=en-US|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510143138/https://tropiq.com.au/about-tropiq/|url-status=live}}</ref> Located on the Bebegu Yumba campus at JCU Townsville, it was developed in partnership between JCU, Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Townsville City Council.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-05|title=Investment set to flow into health and knowledge precinct|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/december/investment-set-to-flow-into-health-and-knowledge-precinct|access-date=2021-05-08|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510143137/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2019/december/investment-set-to-flow-into-health-and-knowledge-precinct|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Singapore International Campus ===
{{Main|James Cook University Singapore}}
James Cook University's Singapore campus (JCUS) was opened in 2003. In January 2015, James Cook University Singapore relocated to a new campus at 149 Sims Drive, ceasing operations at its previous campus on Upper Thomson Road, where it had been operating since July 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-19|title=JCU Singapore moves to new campus|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media111113|access-date=2021-05-09|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028202318/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2015/march/news-and-media111113|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020 there were 3644 students studying with JCU Singapore. Courses offered include business, education, information technology, psychology, environmental science, and tourism and hospitality, to international and domestic students. All degrees awarded are accredited by JCU Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=James Cook University (JCU)|url=http://sguni.com/james-cook-university-jcu/|publisher=sguni|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192230/http://sguni.com/james-cook-university-jcu/|archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref> Unlike its parent institution in Australia, James Cook University Singapore is classified as a private institution under the [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Ministry of Education]]'s Private Education Act and is accredited by both [[EduTrust]] and the [[Council for Private Education]]. JCUS was awarded two consecutive "Edutrust Star" ratings by [[EduTrust]] in 2015 and 2019, the first private school to attain this benchmark.<ref>{{cite news|title=Australian university campus in Singapore gets EduTrust Star ranking|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/australian-university-campus-in-singapore-gets-edutrust-star-ranking|work=[[The Straits Times]]|date=15 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716175620/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/australian-university-campus-in-singapore-gets-edutrust-star-ranking|archive-date=16 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-28|title=EduTrust|url=https://www.jcu.edu.sg/about-us/quality-management-framework/edutrust|access-date=2021-05-09|website=www.jcu.edu.sg|language=en-AU|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509185925/https://www.jcu.edu.sg/about-us/quality-management-framework/edutrust|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other facilities: Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa, Thursday Island, Rockhampton===
JCU [[Brisbane]], operated by Russo Higher Education, delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in accounting, business, education, hospitality and tourism and information technology to international students.

JCU's Mackay Clinical School is located at Mackay Base Hospital. It offers Year 5 and Year 6 of [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery]] (MBBS). Mackay Clinical School also offers Year 1 – 4 in Pharmacy, allowing students to undertake their full course requirements locally. JCU Mackay, located at the Mater Hospital, offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-Registration) and provides facilities for medical and dental placements.

JCU's Mount Isa, Murtupuni campus provides training, development and support of the rural and remote health workforce and the management of key health issues in rural and remote settings. The centre offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science with an emphasis on rural, remote and Indigenous health care.

JCU Rockhampton is located in a modern high rise building in the city. Postgraduate students can access the facilities as part of JCU's GP Training Program. The JCU GP Training Program "provides clinicians the opportunity to expand their scope of practice through working in private clinics and in hospitals where they will gain experience treating a range of conditions in low-resource settings".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-24|title=Rockhampton|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/campuses/rockhampton|access-date=2021-05-09|website=James Cook University|language=en-AU|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509192652/https://www.jcu.edu.au/about-jcu/campuses/rockhampton|url-status=live}}</ref>

There is also a study centre located in the [[Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine]] (AITHM) building on [[Thursday Island]], providing teaching and learning facilities for nursing, education and diploma of higher education students in the Torres Strait region, including the northern tip of Australia. The Thursday Island study centre opened in 2003.

== Governance and structure ==
{{Empty section|date=November 2024}}

=== Coat of arms ===
As a corporate body, James Cook University bears arms comprising four main elements – shield, crest (Captain [[James Cook]]'s ship, ''[[HMS Endeavour]]'', in full sail), supporters (a pair of [[brolga]]s with open wings), and motto.

The university motto is ''Cresente Luce'', which means ''light ever increasing''. This motto was first proposed by Professor [[Frederick Walter Robinson]] (Doc Robbie), professor of English at the [[University of Queensland]], in 1962 for the then University College of Townsville. The university college was established as a college of the [[University of Queensland]]. Adopted in 1963, the motto remained unchanged after James Cook University of North Queensland was established and incorporated in April 1970, and later became James Cook University.

==Academic profile==
[[File:JCU Library.jpg|thumb|The library at Douglas Campus]]
In 2007 James Cook University became a member of Innovative Research Universities Australia (now called [[Innovative Research Universities]]). Innovative Research Universities (IRU) is a network of seven comprehensive universities committed to conducting research of national and international standing.
[[File:JCU University Drive.JPG|thumb|University Drive at Douglas Campus]]

=== Medicine ===
In 2001 the university took in its first medical students in its newly formed School of Medicine. An undergraduate veterinary degree was added to the university for the first time in 2006 and in 2009 the Bachelor of Dental Surgery commenced. Today the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science, including marine biology and environmental science; arts, humanities and social work; business, law and governance; creative media; education; engineering and planning; healthcare, rehabilitation and psychology; medicine, dentistry and pharmacy; public health; and veterinary science. Many courses are available online.

=== Academic reputation ===
{{Infobox Australian university ranking|QS_W==440|USNWR_W==416|ARWU_W=401–500|type=University|ARWU_W_year=2025|CWTS_W=601{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_W_year=2024|QS_W_year=2026|THE_W=351–400|THE_W_year=2026|USNWR_W_year=25/26|ARWU_N=21–24|ARWU_N_year=2025|CWTS_N=24{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_N_year=2024|ERA_N=22|ERA_N_year=2018|QS_N=25|QS_N_year=2026|THE_N=23–25|THE_N_year=2026|USNWR_N=23|USNWR_N_year=25/26|AFR_N=33|AFR_N_year=2024}}
In the 2024 ''Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities'', which measures aggregate performance across the QS, THE and ARWU rankings, the university attained a position of #341 (24th nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=University Results |url=https://research.unsw.edu.au/artu/artu-results |website=Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities |publisher=[[University of New South Wales]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]}}</ref>
; National publications
In the [[Australian Financial Review|''Australian Financial Review'' Best Universities Ranking]] 2024, the university was ranked #33 amongst Australian universities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Universities Ranking |url=https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/best-universities-ranking |website=[[Australian Financial Review]] |publisher=[[Nine Entertainment]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]]}}</ref>

; Global publications

In the 2026 ''[[Quacquarelli Symonds]]'' [[QS World University Rankings|World University Rankings]] (published 2025), the university attained a tied position of #440 (25th nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=QS World University Rankings: Top Global Universities |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |website=[[QS World University Rankings]] |publisher=[[Quacquarelli Symonds]] |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]]}}</ref>

In the [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings|''Times Higher Education'' World University Rankings]] 2026 (published 2025), the university attained a position of #351–400 (tied 23–25th nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=World University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings |work=[[Times Higher Education]] |publisher=Inflexion |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]]}}</ref>

In the 2025 ''[[Academic Ranking of World Universities]]'', the university attained a position of #401–500 (tied 21–24th nationally).<ref name="ARWU Rankings">{{cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings |website=[[Academic Ranking of World Universities]] |publisher=Shanghai Ranking Consultancy |language=en |publication-place=[[Shanghai]], [[China]]}}</ref>

In the 2025–2026 [[U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking|''U.S. News & World Report'' Best Global Universities]], the university attained a tied position of #416 (23rd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Global Universities Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings |website=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |language=en-US |publication-place=[[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States]]}}</ref>

In the ''[[CWTS Leiden Ranking]]'' 2024,{{efn|The [[CWTS Leiden Ranking]] is based on P (top 10%).|name=a}} the university attained a position of #601 (24th nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=CWTS Leiden Ranking |url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2024/list |website=[[CWTS Leiden Ranking]] (Centre for Science and Technology Studies) |publisher=[[Leiden University]] |language=en |publication-place=[[Leiden]], [[Netherlands]]}}</ref>

=== Student outcomes ===
The Australian Government's QILT{{Efn|Abbreviation for Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching.<ref name="About QILT" />}} conducts national surveys documenting the student life cycle from enrolment through to employment.<ref name="About QILT" /> These surveys place more emphasis on criteria such as student experience, graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction<ref name="About QILT">{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/About |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224528/https://www.qilt.edu.au/About |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=[[Australian Government]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]]}}</ref> than perceived reputation, research output and citation counts.<ref name="Bridgestock 2024">{{Cite web |last=Bridgestock |first=Laura |date=19 April 2021 |title=World University Ranking Methodologies Compared |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/world-university-ranking-methodologies-compared |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224525/https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/world-university-ranking-methodologies-compared |archive-date=2 January 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=[[Quacquarelli Symonds]] |language=en-GB |publication-place=[[London]], [[United Kingdom]]}}</ref>

In the 2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey, graduates of the university had an overall employer satisfaction rate of 84.7%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-ess-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224527/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-ess-national-report.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=[[Australian Government]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]]}}</ref>

In the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, graduates of the university had a full-time employment rate of 89.5% for undergraduates and 92.7% for postgraduates.<ref name="GOS Survey 2023">{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey: National Report |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-gos-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220062418/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2023-gos-national-report.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=[[Australian Government]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]]}}</ref> The initial full-time salary was {{AUD|73,100}} for undergraduates and {{AUD|108,100}} for postgraduates.<ref name="GOS Survey 2023" />

In the 2023 Student Experience Survey, undergraduates at the university rated the quality of their entire educational experience at 74.9% meanwhile postgraduates rated their overall education experience at 76.7%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=2023 Student Experience Survey |url=https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ses-national-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102224530/https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ses-national-report.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching |publisher=[[Australian Government]] |language=en-AU |publication-place=[[Canberra]], [[Australian Capital Territory]]}}</ref>

===Lecture Series===
<!---redirects target this section--->

The Eddie Koiki Mabo Lecture Series was established in 2004, in honour of [[Indigenous land rights in Australia|Indigenous land rights]] campaigner [[Eddie Mabo]], who was employed by the university as a groundsman from 1967 to 1971, and later enrolled as a student at the Townsville College of Advanced Education, which later amalgamated with JCU. Mabo famously spent ten years on the [[Mabo v Queensland (No 2)|Mabo case]], in which a landmark ruling that established the concept of [[native title in Australia]] was made in 1992. The lecture takes place on [[Mabo Day]], 3 June each year, with an address given by an invited speaker. Speakers have included:<ref>{{cite web | title=Eddie Koiki Mabo Lecture Series | website=JCU | date=2 November 2020 | url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/ierc/ierc-news/eddie-koiki-mabo-lecture-series | access-date=5 June 2022 | archive-date=20 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320100654/https://www.jcu.edu.au/ierc/ierc-news/eddie-koiki-mabo-lecture-series | url-status=live }}</ref>

* 2004: [[Frank Brennan (priest)|Frank Brennan]]
* 2005: [[Hugh Mackay (social researcher)|Hugh Mackay]]
* 2006: [[Larissa Behrendt]]
* 2008: [[Jenny Macklin]]
* 2009: [[Ross Garnaut]]
* 2010: [[Chris Sarra]]
* 2011: [[Mick Gooda]]
* 2012: [[Henry Reynolds (historian)|Henry Reynolds]]
* 2013: Bryan Keon-Cohen QC
* 2014: Shannan Dodson, Digital Campaign Manager of Recognise Australia
* 2016:  N. M. Nakata, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Indigenous Education and Strategy, JCU
* 2017: [[Megan Davis]]
* 2022: [[Stan Grant (journalist)|Stan Grant]], who spoke about the Mabo case on the 30th anniversary of the decision<ref>{{cite web | title=Eddie Mabo and Gerard Brennan overturned the terra nullius policy and changed Australia forever | first=Stan | last=Grant | author-link=Stan Grant (journalist) | website=ABC News | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | date=5 June 2022 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-05/eddie-mabo-lecture-stan-grant-terra-nullius-gerard-brennan/101126466 | access-date=5 June 2022 | archive-date=4 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604232408/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-05/eddie-mabo-lecture-stan-grant-terra-nullius-gerard-brennan/101126466 | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Student life ==
=== Student demographics ===
In 2021, JCU's student population was at 17,001, which includes 4,289 International students.

=== Residential colleges ===
[[File:JCU StMarksCollege2.jpg|thumb|St Marks' College]]
[[File:JCU University Hall.jpg|thumb|University Hall]]

James Cook University's Townsville, Bebegu Yuma campus, situated in the suburb of Douglas, has five on-campus [[residential]] halls and [[college]]s, which can accommodate 1,158 students. Services offered by these facilities vary from self-catered to fully catered. James Cook University's Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, situated in the outer northern suburb of [[Smithfield, Queensland|Smithfield]], has one on-campus self-catered residential hall, John Grey Hall, which can accommodate 287 students.

=== Townsville ===

====Affiliated colleges====
Saints Catholic College, first founded in 1964 and run by the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Townsville]], was formed in 2011 with the amalgamation of the Catholic Colleges of St Raphael and St Paul and the addition of a third wing, St Mary MacKillop Wing, in honour of Australia's first Saint.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cathcollegesjcu.edu.au/about/history-of-the-college/|title=History of the College {{!}} JCU Saints Catholic College|website=JCU Saints Catholic College|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314143121/https://www.cathcollegesjcu.edu.au/about/history-of-the-college/|archive-date=14 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> Saints Catholic College provides fully catered accommodation to 296 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cathcollegesjcu.edu.au/accommodation/accommodation-information/|title=Accommodation Information {{!}} JCU Saints Catholic College|website=JCU Saints Catholic College|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515105156/https://www.cathcollegesjcu.edu.au/accommodation/accommodation-information/|archive-date=15 May 2018|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> Saint Mark's College, run by the [[Anglican Diocese of North Queensland]], accommodated 154 male and female students until its closure in 2017 due to financial difficulties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/students-told-of-college-closure-during-exam-block/news-story/a01f9737a1260dfc376829c50402c887|title=Students told of college closure during exam block|last=Smith|first=Lucy|date=14 June 2017|work=Townsville Bulletin|access-date=14 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719055349/http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/students-told-of-college-closure-during-exam-block/news-story/a01f9737a1260dfc376829c50402c887|archive-date=19 July 2017}}</ref> The John Flynn College was established in 1968 and is named after Australian Presbyterian minister [[John Flynn (minister)|John Flynn]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnflynn.org.au/about/|title=About {{!}} The John Flynn College|website=The John Flynn College|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316192750/http://www.johnflynn.org.au/about/|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> The college provides fully catered accommodation for more than 253 students.

====Halls of Residence====
James Cook University manages three non-denominational halls in Townsville for 771 students. University Hall was the first residence to be established at the university in the 1960s and offered 241 fully catered rooms. University Hall opened for student accommodation in 1967 as a co-educational hall of residence and lays claim to being the first co-educational university hall of residence in Australia. University Hall officially closed at the end of the 2021 academic year. George Roberts Hall opened in 2002 with unit-style, fully-catered accommodation for 250 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/jcu-halls/about-us|title=About Us – JCU Australia|website=JCU Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515105215/https://www.jcu.edu.au/jcu-halls/about-us|archive-date=15 May 2018|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> Rotary International House, containing 118 self-catered beds, was established in 1990 with the assistance of [[Rotary Clubs]]. Burralga Yumba opened at the beginning of the 2022 academic year. The new building contains 403 self-catered beds. Western Halls and Western Courts, former Halls of Residence colleges, closed in 2008 and 2018 respectively.

=== Cairns ===

====John Grey Hall====
John Grey Hall, named after Lt. Gen. [[John Grey (Australian general)|John Grey]], opened in 2018 to meet the need for on-campus accommodation in Cairns. The residential hall, which is managed by UniLodge, accommodates 287 students in self-catered accommodation with plans to expand to accommodate 1000 students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2018/february/jt-opens-john-grey-hall-at-jcu|title=JT opens John Grey Hall at JCU – JCU Australia|website=JCU Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331064441/https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2018/february/jt-opens-john-grey-hall-at-jcu|archive-date=31 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2018|date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

==Controversies==

===Peter Ridd sacking===
In November 2017, marine physicist [[Peter Ridd]] commenced proceedings in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia|Federal Circuit Court]] against the university alleging that by censuring and eventually dismissing him from his employment, JCU had breached the intellectual freedom provision in its enterprise agreement, in violation of the [[Fair Work Act]]. Ridd was a long-term professor who had been the head of the physics department from 2009 to 2016, and head of the Marine Geophysical Laboratory at JCU for 15 years. He had been critical of the accuracy of studies by the JCU marine studies centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/judge-vasta-to-proceed-with-existing-cases-20190722-p529ik|work=[[Australian Financial Review]]|title=Judge Vasta to proceed with existing cases|access-date=2 January 2020|first=Robert|last=Bolton|date=22 July 2019|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102065457/https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/judge-vasta-to-proceed-with-existing-cases-20190722-p529ik|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-04-23/peter-ridd-reef-science-climate-change/11026540|title=Peter Ridd reef science climate change|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=12 July 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|archive-date=2 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902131044/https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-04-23/peter-ridd-reef-science-climate-change/11026540|url-status=live}}</ref> JCU maintained that "it had never sought to silence Ridd, and his sacking was due to 'serious misconduct' and breaches of the university's code".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Smee|first1=Ben|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=2020-07-22|title=James Cook University wins appeal in Peter Ridd unfair dismissal case|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/22/james-cook-university-wins-appeal-in-peter-ridd-unfair-dismissal-case|access-date=2021-04-07|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=30 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730015249/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/22/james-cook-university-wins-appeal-in-peter-ridd-unfair-dismissal-case|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a hearing, the Federal Circuit Court found that the university's actions were unlawful,<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/sep/06/peter-ridd-awarded-12m-in-unfair-dismissal-case-against-james-cook-university| title=Peter Ridd awarded $1.2m in unfair dismissal case against James Cook University| newspaper=The Guardian| date=6 September 2019| last1=Smee| first1=Ben| access-date=26 January 2020| archive-date=3 February 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203032040/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/sep/06/peter-ridd-awarded-12m-in-unfair-dismissal-case-against-james-cook-university| url-status=live}}</ref> and in September 2019 ordered JCU to pay $1.2 million in compensation to Ridd.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-06/jcu-ordered-to-pay-1.2m-compensation-peter-ridd/11487086 | title=University ordered to pay $1.2m compensation to wrongly sacked professor | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=6 September 2019 | access-date=26 January 2020 | archive-date=3 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203031540/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-06/jcu-ordered-to-pay-1.2m-compensation-peter-ridd/11487086 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Court found that JCU had failed to respect the rights to intellectual freedom under its enterprise agreement.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/damaged-goods-professor-awarded-1-2m-for-uni-s-unlawful-sacking-20190906-p52op3.html | title='Damaged goods': Professor awarded $1.2m for uni's unlawful sacking | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=6 September 2019 | access-date=26 January 2020 | archive-date=26 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126002311/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/damaged-goods-professor-awarded-1-2m-for-uni-s-unlawful-sacking-20190906-p52op3.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2020, a Full Court of the [[Federal Court of Australia]] overturned the Federal Circuit Court's decision, finding that JCU's actions did not breach the Fair Work Act and that the enterprise agreement did not give Ridd an "untrammelled right" to express professional opinions beyond the standards imposed by the university's code of conduct.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smee |first1=Ben |title=James Cook University wins appeal in Peter Ridd unfair dismissal case |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/22/james-cook-university-wins-appeal-in-peter-ridd-unfair-dismissal-case |access-date=24 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609225800/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/22/james-cook-university-wins-appeal-in-peter-ridd-unfair-dismissal-case |url-status=live }}</ref>  In February 2021, the [[High Court of Australia]] granted special leave to Ridd to appeal the decision. The High Court heard the matter in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-15|title=High Court appeal for sacked academic Ridd|url=https://thewest.com.au/politics/law-and-order/high-court-appeal-for-sacked-academic-ridd-c-2601434|access-date=2021-04-16|website=The West Australian|language=en|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418175704/https://thewest.com.au/politics/law-and-order/high-court-appeal-for-sacked-academic-ridd-c-2601434|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-11|title=Controversial marine scientist gets chance to fight his dismissal in High Court|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-11/marine-expert-peter-ridd-coral-bleaching-case-heard-high-court/13144912|access-date=2021-04-16|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528060135/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-11/marine-expert-peter-ridd-coral-bleaching-case-heard-high-court/13144912|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 13, 2021, the High Court unanimously dismissed the appeal brought by Ridd.<ref name= "Guardian2021">{{cite news |last1=Karp |first1=Paul |title=Peter Ridd loses 'all-or-nothing' high court appeal over sacking from James Cook University |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/13/peter-ridd-loses-all-or-nothing-high-court-appeal-over-sacking-from-james-cook-university |access-date=20 November 2021 |work=The Guardian |agency=Australian Associated Press |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=13 October 2021 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201104238/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/13/peter-ridd-loses-all-or-nothing-high-court-appeal-over-sacking-from-james-cook-university |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Chomicki |first2=Chloe |title=Controversial Queensland scientist Peter Ridd has lost a High Court battle against JCU dismissal |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-13/qld-controversial-queensland-academic-court-battle-jcu/100534402 |access-date=13 October 2021 |publisher=ABC News |date=13 October 2021 |archive-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012232620/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-13/qld-controversial-queensland-academic-court-battle-jcu/100534402 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the Court found that some of the university's censures of Ridd were in breach of its enterprise agreement, Ridd ran his case on an "all or nothing" basis, and the High Court found that the termination of his employment was ultimately justified in relying on 18 findings of serious misconduct which were not protected by the university's academic freedom clause.<ref name= "Guardian2021" />

===Sexual harassment and assault===
Nine cases of sexual abuse or harassment were reported officially on campus between 2011 and 2016, resulting in one person being removed from a college. These included an allegation of a 2015 incident in which three unidentified males tried to gang-rape a female student.<ref name="foi_sexual_assault">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/full-list-of-universities-exposed-by-sexual-assault-investigation/news-story/f7c39dcacce8a9c839bc8b881172173b|title=Full list of universities exposed by sexual assault investigation|last=Funnell|first=Nina|date=10 October 2016|work=News Limited|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802075917/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/full-list-of-universities-exposed-by-sexual-assault-investigation/news-story/f7c39dcacce8a9c839bc8b881172173b|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref>

In 2015 the university promoted a research officer to academic adviser despite his having pleaded guilty to raping a student.<ref name="Chen">{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-23/university-staffer-student-rape-james-cook-university-promoted/8203976|title=Uni staffer promoted after student rape charge|last=Chen|first=David|date=24 January 2017|work=ABC News|access-date=1 August 2017|language=en-AU|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801060325/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-23/university-staffer-student-rape-james-cook-university-promoted/8203976|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Funnell">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/exclusive-james-cook-university-knew-douglas-steele-was-guilty-of-rape/news-story/686a17970273325239e703b8d97591e2|title=Exclusive: James Cook University knew Douglas Steele was guilty of rape|last=Funnell|first=Nina|date=25 January 2017|work=NewsComAu|access-date=1 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801124129/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/exclusive-james-cook-university-knew-douglas-steele-was-guilty-of-rape/news-story/686a17970273325239e703b8d97591e2|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> The then acting vice-chancellor said there was a failure of internal processes and that the staff member would have been dismissed immediately if senior management had been aware that he had pleaded guilty.<ref name="Chen"/> However, whistleblowers said there had been a cover-up and that senior management, including the vice-chancellor and the university secretary, had been told of the guilty plea prior to the perpetrator's promotion.<ref name="Funnell"/>

The university began a review in 2017 which led to revised policies, mandatory online training for students and staff, first responder training for staff, and counselling for victims.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.campusreview.com.au/2017/02/broderick-to-review-jcus-sexual-assault-policies/ |title=Broderick to review JCU's sexual assault policies |last=Wells |first=James |date=15 February 2017 |website=Campus Review |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=18 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618172458/https://www.campusreview.com.au/2017/02/broderick-to-review-jcus-sexual-assault-policies/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/bond-university-highest-rate-of-campus-sexual-assault-in-queensland-report-20170801-gxn9eq.html |title=Bond University highest rate of campus sexual assault in Queensland: Report |last=Clun |first=Rachel |date=2 August 2017 |website=Brisbane Times |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182133/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/bond-university-highest-rate-of-campus-sexual-assault-in-queensland-report-20170801-gxn9eq.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/uni-responses/9477920#JCUlink |title=What is your university doing in response to sexual assault and harassment? |last1=Dias |first1=Avani |last2=Afshariyan |first2=Nkayla |date=26 February 2018 |website=Triple J Hack |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005200659/http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/uni-responses/9477920#JCUlink |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Scientific fraud claims===
In May 2021, the American publication [[Science Magazine]] made claims about scientific fraud involving 22 papers linked to James Cook University's Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. The Australian Research Council, the US National Science Foundation, and JCU had been asked to investigate the allegations. The article supported by the international Science Fund for Investigative Reporting, is the culmination of years of research and contested claims over how fish behaviour is changed by rising levels of carbon dioxide in the oceans. Researchers claimed to have evidence of manipulation in publicly available raw data files for two papers, one published in Science Magazine, the other in ''[[Nature Climate Change]]'', combined with large and "statistically impossible" effects from {{CO2}} reported in many of the other papers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Uni in hot water over claims of fish fraud|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fhigher-education%2Fjames-cook-university-in-hot-water-over-claims-of-fish-fraud%2Fnews-story%2Fd7ffe362e70ad2f318fdcb06b0704a19&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=7a1cf6dafd26469617fc314212f328c1-1620427864|access-date=2021-05-07|website=www.theaustralian.com.au|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507225701/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fhigher-education%2Fjames-cook-university-in-hot-water-over-claims-of-fish-fraud%2Fnews-story%2Fd7ffe362e70ad2f318fdcb06b0704a19&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=7a1cf6dafd26469617fc314212f328c1-1620427864|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Enserin|first=Martin|date=2021-05-06|title=Does ocean acidification alter fish behavior? Fraud allegations create a sea of doubt|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/does-ocean-acidification-alter-fish-behavior-fraud-allegations-create-sea-doubt|access-date=2021-05-07|website=Science {{!}} AAAS|language=en|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821063637/https://www.science.org/content/article/does-ocean-acidification-alter-fish-behavior-fraud-allegations-create-sea-doubt|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Scientific Misconduct===

An investigation by the UK scientific journal [[Nature (journal)|''Nature'']] published on 8 January 2020, found that eight James Cook University (JCU) studies on the effect of climate change on coral reef fish, one of which was authored by a JCU educated discredited scientist, had a 100 percent replication failure and thus none of the findings of the original eight studies were found to be correct.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 January 2020 |title=Something smells fishy at JCU |url=https://www.spectator.com.au/2020/01/something-smells-fishy-at-jcu/ |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=Spectator Australia}}</ref> The Swedish scientists [[Josefin Sundin]] and [[Fredrik Jutfelt]] were the first to report their suspicions to [[Uppsala University]]. Their informal investigation, and the proofs they collected, lead to the formal investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=De avslørte at forskeren hadde diktet opp eksperimentet. Da startet kampen for å bli trodd. |url=https://www.forskerforum.no/de-avslorte-at-forskeren-hadde-diktet-opp-eksperimentet-da-startet-kampen-for-a-bli-trodd/ |access-date=2022-06-09 |website=www.forskerforum.no |date=29 November 2018 |language=nb-NO}}</ref> Concerns raised about a study the scientist published while at JCU between 2010 and 2014 included an improbable number of lionfish claimed to have been used in this study, and images of 50 fish provided which appeared to include multiple images of some biological specimens, and two images that had been flipped making two fish appear to be four.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fake science on fake fish from James Cook Uni? |url=http://joannenova.com.au/2019/01/fake-science-on-fake-fish-from-james-cook-uni/ |access-date=14 July 2020 |website=JoNova}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=James Cook University reviews ex-student's 'fishy' findings |newspaper=The Australian |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/james-cook-university-reviews-exstudents-fishy-findings/news-story/8c428a0bd81f8af2eed37f51d482b03e |access-date=14 July 2020}}{{subscription required|s}}</ref> The scientist had also been found guilty of fabricating data underpinning a study at Uppsala University in Sweden following her departure from JCU in Queensland, Australia.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 January 2020 |title=Ex-judge to investigate controversial marine research |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ex-judge-investigate-controversial-marine-research |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=Times Higher Education}}</ref> The study was subsequently retracted.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 September 2019 |title=Can you spot the duplicates? Critics say these photos of lionfish point to fraud |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/can-you-spot-duplicates-critics-say-these-photos-lionfish-point-fraud |access-date=12 July 2020 |website=Sciencemag}}</ref>

===University response to medical student misconduct===

James Cook University faced significant scrutiny and widespread public backlash following a controversial incident involving one of its medical students. The controversy erupted when it was disclosed that a student, who had been convicted of physically assaulting a former partner in a violent act motivated by jealousy, had received a character reference from a member of the university’s staff. This revelation sparked intense criticism from various quarters, including the local community, medical professionals, and student organisations, who expressed profound concern over the university’s handling of the situation and its implications for the integrity of its medical program.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |title=James Cook University medical student under investigation over domestic violence assault |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-02/james-cook-university-medical-student-domestic-violence-assault/105601580 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=2 August 2025 |access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |title='Deeply disturbed': Uni under pressure after future doctor punched ex, took selfie |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/deeply-disturbeduni-under-pressure-after-future-doctor-punched-ex-took-selfie/news-story/406240f6b35bdd96ae62b7538cd257a2 |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=3 August 2025 |access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |title=James Cook University suspends medical student over domestic violence allegations |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/james-cook-university-suspends-medical-student-domestic-violence/105613598 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=5 August 2025 |access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

== Notable people ==

This is a list of alumni and former faculty and staff of James Cook University, including preceding institutions such as Townsville University College and Townsville College of Advanced Education.

===Notable alumni===

* [[Paul Amato]], professor at Pennsylvania State University and researcher, among the 1% most cited scientists of 2004 according to [[Thomson Reuters]]' ''Highly Cited Researchers''<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/pxa6|title = Paul R. Amato|access-date = 8 July 2015|website = Penn State|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150710183206/http://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/pxa6|archive-date = 10 July 2015}}</ref>
* [[Rachel Carling-Jenkins]], politician
* [[Katarina Carroll]], Commissioner of the [[Queensland Police Service]]
* [[David Crisafulli]], Premier of Queensland (2024–present)
* [[Peter Coaldrake]], vice chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology and chair of the board of Universities Australia
* [[Harris Eyre]], neuroscientist, entrepreneur and author
* [[Brentley Frazer]], author
* [[Philip Freier]], Anglican clergyman and current [[Anglican Diocese of Melbourne|Archbishop of Melbourne]]
* [[Julie-Ann Guivarra]], diplomat
* [[Phillip Gwynne]], author
* [[Julie Hall (public health)|Julie Hall]], [[World Health Organization]] Representative in the Philippines, and principal coordinator of international medical relief efforts for [[Typhoon Haiyan]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24980472 | title=Philippines typhoon: UK doctors speak from storm-hit country | date=17 November 2013 | access-date=23 December 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130173626/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24980472 | archive-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
* [[Silma Ihram]], activist
* [[Merilyn Manley-Harris]], professor of chemistry at University of Waikato<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamilton Public Lecture Series – Professor Merilyn Manley-Harris – GAPA – Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts: University of Waikato |url=https://www.waikato.ac.nz/academy/events/dance/hamilton-public-lecture-series-professor-merilyn-manley-harris |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=www.waikato.ac.nz}}</ref>
*[[Helen McGregor (geologist)|Helen McGregor]], geologist and climate change researcher, a Fellow with the Research School of Earth Sciences, [[Australian National University]]
* [[Jan McLucas]], politician (Townsville CAE)
* [[Sue Meek]], chief executive of the [[Australian Academy of Science]]
* [[Tony Mooney]], former mayor of [[Townsville]]
* [[Susan Murabana]], Kenyan astronomer
* [[Shaun Nelson]], Queensland politician
* [[Christina Ochoa]], Spanish actress and marine biologist
* [[Curtis Pitt]], Queensland [[Treasurer of Queensland|Treasurer]], Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
* [[Henry Reynolds (historian)|Henry Reynolds]], historian
* [[Margaret Reynolds]], politician
* [[Glen Richards (entrepreneur)|Glen Richards]], entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Greencross
* [[Mark Robinson (Australian politician)|Mark Robinson]], Queensland politician
* [[Lindsay Simpson]], journalist
* [[Natasha Smith (diplomat)|Natasha Smith]], diplomat
* [[Andrew Stoner]], former Deputy Premier of New South Wales, National Party Member for [[Oxley, New South Wales]], in the [[New South Wales Legislative Assembly]]
* [[Jan Strugnell]], Professor in the Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture at James Cook University and the first JCU alumnus to receive a [[Rhodes Scholarship]] to study at [[Oxford University]]
* [[Nicole Webster]], principal research scientist at the [[Australian Institute of Marine Science]]
* [[Breiana Whitehead]] (born 2000), Olympic kitefoiler<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title='Inspiring' Aussie scientist creates Olympic history |url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/olympics/games-paris-2023-australia-team-sailing-news-breiana-whitehead-selection-anna-meares-20231121-p5j88s.html |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=Nine |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Ian Young (academic)|Ian Young]], former vice chancellor, [[Swinburne University of Technology]] and [[Australian National University]]<ref name="Professor Ian Young">{{cite web|url=http://archivebay.com/archive/33c|title=Professor Ian Young|access-date=21 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021064636/http://archivebay.com/archive/33c|archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref>

===Notable staff===

* [[Alexandra Aikhenvald]] (1957–), linguist, member of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
* [[Robert M. W. Dixon]] (1939–), professor of linguistics at the Cairns Institute and member of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
* [[John Endler]], (1947-), ethologist and evolutionary biologist 
* [[Terry Hughes (biologist)|Terry Hughes]] (1956–), professor of marine biology, member of the Australian Academy of Science
* [[Betsy Rivers Jackes|Betsy Jackes]] (1935–), adjunct professor, botanist, former dean
* [[Rhondda Jones]] (1945–), former professor of zoology, deputy vice-chancellor, and member of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)
* [[George Kneipp]] (1922–1993), chancellor (1974–1993)
* [[William F. Laurance]] (1957–), biologist, recipient of the Australian Laureate Fellowship, and member of the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
* [[Leonard Francis Lindoy]], chemist, professor emeritus and member of the Australian Academy of Science
* [[Eddie Mabo]] (1936–1992), First Nations community leader and human rights activist, was employed at JCU as a gardener/groundsman between 1967 and 1971<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.racismnoway.com.au/teaching-resources/factsheets/54.html|title=Edward Koiki Mabo 1936 – 1992|website=www.racismnoway.com.au|access-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728074453/http://www.racismnoway.com.au/teaching-resources/factsheets/54.html|archive-date=28 July 2016}}</ref>
* [[Christopher Margules]], adjunct professor, College of Science and Engineering

=== Honorary degrees ===

Recipients of honorary degrees include:
* [[Tommy George]] (1928–2016), awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters for his work in ecology
* [[David Hudson (musician)|David Hudson]] (1962–), Aboriginal musician
* [[Silma Ihram]] (1954–), pioneer of Muslim education in Australia
* [[Betsy Rivers Jackes|Betsy Jackes]] (1935–), sixth JCU Doctor of Science ''honoris causa'' (2022) for enduring contributions to scholarship, community engagement, culture, achievements to the university and relating to tropical flora in northern Queensland
* [[Eddie Mabo]] (1936–1992), awarded an honorary Doctorate of the university for his efforts in improving the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
* [[George Musgrave (bush tracker)|George Musgrave]] (1921–2006), awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters for his work in traditional law
* [[Percy Trezise]] (1923–2005), awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters in recognition of outstanding service to the community of Far North Queensland

==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|Queensland}}}}
* [[List of universities in Australia]]

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.jcu.edu.au}}

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{{James Cook University}}
{{Australian universities}}
{{Australian university groups}}
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[[Category:James Cook University| ]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1970]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Townsville]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Cairns]]
[[Category:Education in Townsville]]
[[Category:Schools in Queensland]]