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ALBIES FOR LIFE
The University Council approached the Catholic Diocese of Armidale, requesting the establishment of both an all-male and an all-female College on campus.
In response to the University’s request, St. Albert’s College, initially an all-male university college, was founded under the direction of the Dominican Fathers.
The College expanded from 120 residents to 300 at the University’s request, becoming the largest college on campus.
St. Albert’s College became co-educational, allowing both male and female students. It now houses up to 300 residents.
St. Albert’s became the only college at UNE offering both fully catered and self-catered options for residents.
Due to a shortage of suitable priests in the Dominican Order, the leadership of the College was transitioned to lay staff, marking the end of the Dominican Fathers' formal role.
The Dominican Fathers ended their formal association with St. Albert’s College on the weekend of 27-28 October. The Catholic Diocese of Armidale took over the leadership, with the Bishop appointing the Master of the College.
The governance and direction of St. Albert's College were transferred to a Board of Directors by Bishop Michael Kennedy. The Master of the College became the Chief Executive Officer of the College, operating under the guidance of the Board, led by Karl Schmude.
In 2019, St Albert’s College proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of academic excellence, community spirit, and meaningful contributions to the lives of its students and alumni.
St. Albert’s College continues to be the only independently run college at UNE, offering a Christian, student-oriented environment that welcomes students of all faiths while maintaining its Catholic identity.
