James McWha

James Alexander McWha (born 28 May 1947) is a botanist whose professional career was devoted to teaching, research and educational administration in New Zealand, Northern Ireland and Australia. He retired as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide on 30 June 2012. In October 2013 he was appointed as Vice Chancellor of the newly created University of Rwanda. He retired from the University of Rwanda in October 2015.

Early life and family McWha was born in County Down, Northern Ireland, on 28 May 1947, the son of Sarah Isabel McWha (née Caughey) and David McWha. He graduated with a BSc and BAgr (with honours in agricultural botany) from Queen's University Belfast in 1969 and 1970. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor and President of Massey University in New Zealand in 1996, and Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2002.

Honours McWha was recognised in 2003 by the award of the Australian Centenary Medal for his services to education.

In May 2004, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Massey University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Massey and his advocacy for New Zealand's education system.

He was made an honorary officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to higher education in December 2011.