Following an international search, the University of Newcastle has appointed a new Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen, to take up the position in late 2011.
The present Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, will retire from the University of Newcastle in October 2011.
Professor McMillen is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of South Australia, a position she has held since 2005.
Chancellor, Professor Trevor Waring, said Professor McMillen's appointment was a coup for the University and for Newcastle.
"Professor McMillen's career achievements are very impressive. She has dedicated almost 30 years to the higher education sector with leadership roles across research and teaching and learning.
"Her extensive experience and knowledge of the sector will hold her in good stead as she guides the University of Newcastle to the next level of excellence."
As a biomedical researcher, Professor McMillen is internationally recognised for her work in the development and impact of the early nutritional environment on the programming of later obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to her research career, Professor McMillen has extensive teaching experience. She has trained and mentored more than 50 honours and PhD students and has led a number of initiatives to develop curricula innovation.
Professor McMillen is also an active champion of women in science, engineering and technology.
Education and career summary
- 1975 – 81: Graduated with BA (Hons) and Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford University before completing her medical degree at the University of Cambridge
- 1983: Moved to Australia to take up a lectureship at Monash University in 1983
- 1992: Appointed Chair of Physiology and Head of Department at the University of Adelaide
- 2002: Appointed Director of the Research Centre for the Early Origins of Adult Disease
- 2005: Appointed the University of South Australia’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Professor McMillen has contributed to the work of many national higher education committees and councils including the Prime Minister’s Science Engineering and Innovation Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.
"As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders has been an exemplary leader for the past six years delivering significant wins across research, teaching and learning, engagement and governance. Newcastle is fortunate to have secured a new Vice-Chancellor of such high calibre to continue the University’s delivery of world class education and research," Professor Waring said.
