Alan Manly (CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors at Group Colleges Australia [GCA] operating as Universal Business School Sydney [UBSS])* has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) General Division.
The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens.  

Deputy Vice Chancellor (GCA) Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley notes, ‘This achievement is a big deal for GCA, UBSS and, of course, Alan. I speak on behalf of all at GCA when I say we are proud of Alan’s accolade. We thank him for his ongoing commitment to excellence in the industry, and especially for ensuring the quality and reputation of Australia in the context of the international student arena.’

The honour is bestowed in appreciation of Alan’s service to tertiary education. The citation also acknowledges his commitment to community service over a number of years.
Alan comments, ‘First, I must thank my family for their unrelenting support. In relation to service to tertiary education, I happily acknowledge the team at UBSS. It has been their continued professionalism and dedication that has taken UBSS to the top of its category in higher education. It has been my honour to be team leader.’

The award has been approved by the Governor-General in his capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Australia with effect from 14 June 2021. A formal investiture ceremony will be conducted later in the year (September or October) at Government House.
A profile of Alan is available here. Alan’s articles and books can be located here.

*Group Colleges Australia (GCA) was established in 1998 as a registered proprietary company with the Australian Securities Investments Commission (ASIC). In 2008, GCA applied for and became an approved Higher Education Provider registered by the NSW Department of Education and Training. In 2015 GCA’s Higher Education division known as Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS) was re-registered as a Higher Education Provider by TEQSA. UBSS is approved to deliver higher education courses to both domestic and international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UBSS has a strong reputation for academic excellence as evidenced by being in the top ten (10) national providers for Education Quality in the latest QILT results (2020/2021). UBSS is also the number one (1) MBA business school in Sydney with regard to Student Support.