Chancellor Installation

Friday, 7 March 2014

The University of Newcastle's seventh Chancellor, Mr Paul Jeans, says the adaptability and ingenuity demonstrated by the Newcastle and Hunter communities will support the University to build on its performance and reputation on the world stage.

Chancellor Paul JeansMr Jeans will be officially installed as Chancellor at a ceremony today, Friday 7 March. Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, will officiate the ceremony, which will include the presentation of the 1951 student petition that led to the establishment of the University, enrobing the Chancellor, presenting the University Mace, and the Fanfare of Installation.

Mr Jeans, BE, FIE Aust, FAICD, a fourth-generation Novocastrian with a leadership career in business spanning more than four decades, was appointed to the position of Chancellor in July 2013.

Mr Jeans said the region's long history of both good fortune and adversity had shaped its communities with unique qualities that were also strongly reflected through its university.

"We value equity and a fair go, tenacity and hard work, adaptability and ingenuity, friendship and we all share an understated confidence.

"The tenacity and hard work of UON's enormously committed and talented academic and professional staff is the reason Newcastle ranks in the top three per cent of universities in the world and is continuing to build its performance and reputation."

"Looking to the future, the University of Newcastle has a wonderful opportunity to take our 'quiet confidence' and show the world what we have to offer both in teaching and learning, and research," Mr Jeans said.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the installation of a new Chancellor represented a significant moment in the life of a university.

"Paul Jeans is a leading figure in our business community. His career, which spanned more than four decades working with BHP, started as a young engineering trainee and saw him rise through the leadership ranks, including Executive General Manager and CEO of its Ferrous Minerals business and three of its steel businesses."

Professor McMillen said the Chancellor's career had been characterised by a commitment to equity and engagement, and had been marked by the exercise of excellence in many leadership roles.

"The Chancellor's commitment to equity, excellence and engagement is a remarkable fit with the values of the University of Newcastle.

"The Chancellor's leadership will be critical as we work to realise the vision, aspirations and ambitions of our NeW Directions Strategic Plan, building on the remarkable legacy of leadership since its foundation nearly 50 years ago."

Contact

  • Carmen Swadling
  • Phone: +61 2 4921 5577

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