Henry James Priestley (10 April 1883 – 26 February 1932) was the first Professor of Mathematics at the University of Queensland.

After Professor Ernest Rutherford of the University of Manchester declined it, Priestley's application was considered and voted favourably upon.

He and his wife arrived in Brisbane in 1911, on the same boat as his colleague Professor John Lundie Michie.

[3] Priestley had considerable influence on university affairs, and despaired at the state of the buildings and library.

[3] A founder of the Queensland branch of the Mathematical Association of Great Britain, Priestley was its president for many years.

[1] Priestley died on 26 February 1932 of a cerebral tumour after a long illness, survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.