John Anthony Hay AC (21 September 1942 – 3 November 2016) was an Australian academic.

[2] Hay studied at the University of Western Australia and then at Pembroke College, Cambridge where he was a Hackett Research Scholar.

In March 1998, during his term as vice-chancellor at the University of Queensland, Hay met with American businessman and philanthropist Chuck Feeney at the Irish Club in Brisbane to discuss fund raising for the university's research.

He established the UQ Centre, a multifunctional building which can be used for a wide range of academic, cultural and sporting events, such as graduation ceremonies, exhibitions, conferences and banquets.

Under Hay's leadership, The University of Queensland advanced to second position in Australia for total competitive research funding.