Changing of the guard as the University farewells Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicholas Saunders will retire tomorrow after seven years at the helm.
Chancellor Professor Trevor Waring said Professor Saunders had guided the University from a successful local institution to one that stands proudly on the world stage.
“I extend sincere thanks to Professor Saunders for his exceptional leadership over the past seven years. His legacy is an institution that is academically, financially and culturally strong, and poised to maximise the opportunities ahead.
“During his time as Vice-Chancellor, the University consistently maintained its ranking in Australia’s top 10 universities for research, enrolments grew to a record high of 35,500 in 2011 and Newcastle became a sector leader in providing access to higher education for disadvantaged groups.”
Professor Saunders said the achievements of the past seven years had been built on those of the past 40.
“Our success is the result of commitment and hard work of many people in the University community.
I look forward to watching the University of Newcastle go from strength to strength.”
University of Newcastle achievements under Professor Saunders include:
• Australian Government ranks Newcastle the nation’s top university for applied mathematics
• International agency QS Stars ranks Newcastle a five star university
• Research income in the past six years doubles, exceeding $80 million
• Australian first Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) opens
• University awards a record 3200 scholarships worth more than $9 million
• Newcastle graduates attract a higher starting salary than the national average
Professor Caroline McMillen will commence as the University’s new Vice-Chancellor on Monday 31 October.
Professor McMillen was previously the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of South Australia, a position she held with distinction since 2005.
For more information: Please call Media and Public Relations Officer Tess Campbell on 49 21 8714.