Forging more links between the community, industry, business and the University will be the enhanced role of University of Newcastle Central Coast Campuses Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director, Professor Stephen Crump.

Professor Crump will take on the additional role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Relations) to create new ways for the University to engage with the greater community, said University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders.

“This position builds on Professor Crump’s current responsibilities as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director, Central Coast Campuses and leader of our strategic relationship with NSW TAFE at Ourimbah and Port Macquarie,” Professor Saunders said.

“Professor Crump’s new role will include responsibility for Corporate Development and Community Partnerships (CDCP). Over the coming months, an Office of Engaged Learning will be established to support work integrated learning and other student engagement activities.”

Professor Saunders said Professor Crump will replace Associate Professor Martin Fitzgerald who has decided to return to the University’s Faculty of Business and Law to pursue his love of teaching and research.

“Over the last five years, Associate Professor Fitzgerald has built CDCP from scratch,” Professor Saunders said.

“His efforts have resulted in the merging of the alumni, UON Foundation and community engagement activities of the University to achieve a great deal. Some achievements include enhanced alumni and business engagement activities, the University Leadership Awards, the Hunter Vision forum and national and international recognition for the University’s community engagement.”