On the move: May

JCU Singapore VC retires

James Cook University has announced the retirement of its deputy vice‑chancellor for the Singapore campus, Dr Dale Anderson. Anderson has served the university for 12 years, and will leave his role on December 31.

Vice-chancellor Professor Sandra Harding thanked Anderson for the positive contributions he made during his career.

“Dale has been at the helm, leading a strong team, during a time of significant growth and achievement for JCU in Singapore,” she said. “We will miss having Dale at the helm and wish him … all the very best for a long and satisfying retirement.”

New Science Dean for USYD

Soil expert and biophysicist Professor Iain Young has been appointed dean of science at the University of Sydney. The inaugural head of the university’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences is due to start on July 12. Before joining the university, Young spent six years as a head of school at the University of New England, and led research groups in Scotland. Vice chancellor Dr Michael Spence said Young had a “compelling vision” and useful experience in academic leadership.

“I am confident his disciplinary expertise, industry connections … [and] passion for the university’s research and education vision will see him take our Faculty of Science to new heights,” he said.

AIB appoints new chair

The Australian Institute of Business has filled a spot on its Academic Board, and appointed Emeritus Professor Hilary Winchester as the new chair.
The announcement comes after a “year of growth” at the organisation, including the appointment of new chief executive Paul Wappett in February. Winchester said she was thrilled to take on the position, and will take the place of retiree Professor Rod Oxenberry this month.

“It’s an exciting time to join AIB with the recent developments in program delivery and interactive online learning,” she said.

Winchester was previously pro-vice-chancellor at the University of SA and provost of Central Queensland University.

NCVER’s Fowler leaves role

National Centre for Vocational Education Research managing director Craig Fowler has announced he will hand over his title this year. Fowler has led NCVER for more than three years. A new board member is expected to be appointed mid-year. “Having been privileged to lead NCVER for three and a half years through a period of major reform … I have decided that it is the right time to step down,” he said.

“This decision is reinforced by my desire to create new opportunities in which I can express and expand on my experience for the remaining part of my working life, as well as make more space and time for family commitments.”

Curtin’s Celia Hurley joins UTS

The University of Technology Sydney has announced that Celia Hurley will act as the new vice-president, advancement. Hurley joins UTS from Curtin University, where she was chief advancement officer.

UTS vice-chancellor Attila Brungs said he was pleased to appoint Hurley to the newly created role. “Advancement and philanthropy are increasingly vital to all Australian universities and I’m very happy that Celia has agreed to take up this critical role,” he said. “I’m confident Celia will help us achieve our ambitious aspirations.”
Hurley spent 11 years with Central Carolina Community College in the US, the last four as vice-president of institutional advancement.

Plato Project chooses CEO

RMIT’s Elissa Newall will leave her senior marketing post at the university to become chief executive officer at business school the Plato Project. Newall was headhunted by the Project after gaining more than a decade of experience in marketing and higher education.

She said her first challenge in the new role would be to plot the course of business growth, and lead the company’s expansion both domestically and overseas.

“It’s a gripping new challenge, and I’m thrilled to be working with the Plato Project,” Newall said.  “It’s such a future-focused and innovative brand, and one with values I truly respect and admire.”

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