Meet the Study Toowoomba Committee
Committee
Study Toowoomba
Peter Homan – Chair, Study Toowoomba
Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Country Tourism
Peter Homan is an experienced leader with over 20 years in the tourism, hospitality, and not-for-profit sectors. As Chair of Study Toowoomba and CEO of Queensland Country Tourism, he plays a key role in driving regional growth, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing community engagement. His expertise spans business development, marketing, operations, and business transformation, making him a respected figure in both tourism and education.
In his role at Queensland Country Tourism, Peter has successfully positioned the region as a sought-after destination, driving sustainable growth and economic development. His strategic leadership has improved brand awareness, strengthened stakeholder relationships, and increased visitation, benefiting local businesses and communities.
As Chair of Study Toowoomba, Peter is committed to making Toowoomba a leading education destination. He works closely with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry partners to attract and support students, creating pathways for career opportunities and community connections. His leadership helps ensure students have a positive experience, contributing to long-term regional retention.
Peter is highly skilled in navigating economic and technological shifts, identifying opportunities for growth, and implementing innovative solutions. His hands-on approach fosters collaboration, ensuring the organisations he leads continue to thrive.
Passionate about professional mentorship and industry development, Peter actively supports emerging leaders and fosters strong partnerships. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence continue to shape the future of both tourism and education in Southern Queensland, making the region a prime destination for students, visitors, and investors alike.
Professor Ren Yi – Deputy Chair
Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), University of Southern Queensland
Professor Ren is the Pro Vice-Chancellor International at the University of Southern Queensland, providing leadership and strategic guidance across the University for internationalisation and global engagement. He worked in the higher education sector for over 20 years and has previously held positions at the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, Victoria University, and Macquarie University. Professor Ren is currently President of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), having previously served as Vice-President, a board member, and the Chair of the Research Committee. He is a member of the Universities Australia Deputy Vice-Chancellors International Executive Group’ and has been recognised as a Fellow of the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) for his distinguished service in 2022.
He is an experienced researcher with a keen interest in the effective management of international education and global partnerships and is actively involved in the research management profession. He is currently a member of the International Advisory Board for the Journal of Research Management and Governance (JRMG). He is a former President of the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) and is an active member of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). He has completed an Australia Research Council Linkage grant focusing on international business, social psychology, and economic geography. He has also been appointed to various research management committees by the Australia Research Council and by Universities Australia.
In 2009, he was awarded an Australian Endeavour Executive Award by Deputy Prime Minister Hon Julia Gillard. In the same year, he won an Award for Excellence from the Australasian Research Management Society for embedding research administration in a regional university. In 2016, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award to Research Management by the Australasian Research Management Society. Recently he was awarded the INORMS Award for Excellence in Research Management Leadership 2021 in Hiroshima Japan. Professor Ren also has extensive industry management experience and has participated in several management consulting projects for international companies.
Professor Ren obtained his doctorate from the University of Melbourne in economic geography and international business. He is currently a reviewer for the Academy of International Business and Australian Research Council, as well as Horizon Europe and Erasmus for the European Commission. He is an experienced international education executive and is an expert on international matters in the higher education sector. He was one of the specialists for the Australian Council for International Education. Professor Ren was commissioned to complete the Australian Postgraduate Research Student Mobilities Report by the Department of Education and Training. In 2015 and 2016, he represented Australia at the Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) meeting in Indonesia and Peru on APEC Researcher Mobility and submitted a report on behalf of the Australian Government and APEC.
Kym Schultz – Treasurer, Study Toowoomba
Business Manager, Concordia Lutheran College
Kym Schultz is an accomplished Business Manager with over 25 years of experience in the education sector, having held leadership roles in both the Lutheran and Catholic school systems. As Treasurer of Study Toowoomba, she brings strong financial expertise, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of educational institutions, ensuring the organisation’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
Kym has a proven track record of success in managing financial and operational activities within schools, overseeing budgets, resource allocation, and compliance to support the delivery of high-quality education. Her ability to streamline financial administration and optimise processes has contributed to the long-term growth and stability of the institutions she has served.
Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Graduate Certificate in Management of Not-for-Profit Organisations, Kym combines financial acumen with a passion for strategic planning and business development. She is committed to enhancing organisational performance, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring financial sustainability in the education sector.
Kym’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation enables her to drive positive change within schools and educational organisations. Her leadership in financial management supports Study Toowoomba’s mission to promote the region as a premier study destination, ensuring students and educational providers benefit from strong financial oversight and strategic planning.
With her extensive experience, business expertise, and commitment to excellence, Kym plays a vital role in shaping the future of education in Toowoomba, making a lasting impact on the community and the institutions she serves.
Meg Coles – Committee Member
Head of Admissions at Toowoomba Anglican School (TAS), to the Study Toowoomba committee
Meg’s journey into sales began unexpectedly in Year 4 during a “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser — an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for connecting with people and delivering results. Fittingly, she now works at the very school where that journey first began.
With more than 20 years’ experience across sales, business development and the medical sector, Meg has built an impressive career in Sales Development and Enablement, particularly within independent education. She specialises in building and scaling high-performing systems and teams that deliver sustainable, measurable outcomes.
And the results speak for themselves:
- 83% prospect-to-customer conversion rate
- $32 million in education revenue generated in a 12-month period
- 47% enrolment growth (Prep–Year 12) and 67% growth in Kindergarten for an independent school
- Sales process re-engineering across 13 B2C businesses
- Digital transformation leadership across eight businesses
- Multiple successful CRICOS renewals for independent schools
- Strategic design and implementation of international study abroad programs
Meg genuinely loves what she does — especially helping organisations deliver meaningful value and long-term growth.
Her vision for Study Toowoomba is both strategic and heartfelt.
She wants Toowoomba to be recognised as a destination of choice for international students. Too often, families focus on capital cities without realising the exceptional education, safety, lifestyle and opportunity available right here. Her goal is simple: get students to experience the region for themselves — because once they do, the decision becomes easy.
She is also passionate about strengthening study tour frameworks and ensuring international students receive the confidence-building support they need to thrive while studying in our region.
Outside of work, Meg is a property hunter and buyer’s advocate, a local community volunteer, a devoted cat lover, a podcast enthusiast, beach-goer, book exchange supporter and former dancer, performer and teacher. She is always planning her next adventure — with Japan currently on the horizon.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Meg’s expertise, energy and strategic mindset contributing to Study Toowoomba’s future.
Monique Tudman – Committee Member
Director of International Operations, TAFE Queensland
Monique Tudman is an experienced public sector leader, currently serving as the Director of International Operations at TAFE Queensland. In this role, she strategically leads the operations of the institution’s international education division, strengthening its global reputation, building operational capacity, and solidifying TAFE Queensland’s position as a premier provider of vocational education and training – both on and offshore.
Since stepping into this role in late 2023, Monique has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance TAFE Queensland’s international engagement and operational excellence including in China, Indonesia and the Pacific. Prior to joining TAFE Queensland, she held senior leadership roles within the Department of Education Queensland, overseeing strategic and operational services across 200 state schools and four regional offices in the Darling Downs and Southwest Region.
With 20 years of experience in the public sector, Monique has also held national positions at the Fair Work Ombudsman, focusing on compliance and enforcement, international labour strategy, information access, privacy, and corporate governance. As Assistant Director of Accountability and Risk at the Fair Work Ombudsman, she led key initiatives to enhance governance, integrity, and corporate compliance for Australia’s workplace relations regulator.
Monique holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Her expertise in leadership, compliance, and strategic operations makes her a valuable contributor to the advancement of international vocational education and training.
Committee Member – Cr Melissa Taylor
Councillor, Toowoomba Regional Council
Born and raised right here in Toowoomba, Cr Melissa Taylor’s deep local connections and impressive professional background make her a wonderful addition to Study Toowoomba.
Cr Melissa’s educational journey began at St. Thomas More’s Catholic School, followed by St Saviour’s College. She then went on to the University of Southern Queensland, where she earned a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Economics and Politics.
Before stepping into her role as a Councillor in 2020, Cr Melissa spent 14 years in fashion & retail management. She then joined her family’s business, Taylor’s Removals, and made history as the first female Managing Director in four generations. Her leadership brought significant innovations and accolades to the trucking industry. It was during this time that Cr Melissa also initiated a workplace training program for high school student via TAFE. The personal and professional development that the students received awarded them a Certificate 1 from TAFE.
You can read more of Cr Melissa’s achievements HERE
