Local MP David Drummond led a delegation to the state government in the early 1920s lobbying for a university college in Armidale.

[17] A 1924 New South Wales royal commission, chaired by John Jacob Cohen, recommended that consideration be given to a rural university and the Armidale Teachers' College was established in 1928.

Prominent early advocates in addition to Drummond included Colin Sinclair, Earle Page, and Victor Thompson.

The network also included the UNE-Coffs Harbour Centre, which provided courses from within academic departments of the Armidale and Lismore campuses.

Early in the year, the university became a potential exposure site, and students and faculty underwent viral tests.

[21] In September of that year, a staff restructuring was announced, with the goal of saving $20 million annually in wage costs and preparing the university for future opportunities, at the expense of 100 positions.

Since the original gift, other generous benefactors have presented properties to the university, whose Armidale site now comprises some 260 hectares.

[24] The university has a vibrant metro campus, UNE Sydney, set in a strategic position at the hearth of Parramatta CBD.

Its scholars and scientists have established international reputations through their contributions in areas such as rural science, agricultural economics, educational administration, linguistics and archaeology.

A Catholic priest, Father Kelly, helped Archibald to build a house, completed in 1957, in which many relatives came to live.

[24] As at 2024, the residential colleges are:[64] As of 2011[update], more than 106,000 people hold qualifications from UNE, with many in senior positions in Australia and overseas.

[65] There is an active alumni network which contributes to the university, enabling the institution to continue expanding its work and offerings.

[66] Notable alumni include: According to a 2017 Australian Human Rights Commission report based on optional surveys given to students, UNE had the highest reported rate of sexual assaults at universities in Australia, with 4% of respondents saying they had been sexually assaulted; the average rate across all universities was 1.6%.

[69] In February 2017 vice-chancellor Annabelle Duncan said that past UNE policies dealing with sexual harassment did not allow management to handle some cases satisfactorily.

[70] On 1 August 2022, the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brigid Heywood, was charged with allegedly assaulting a teenage girl at a club in Armidale on 8 March.