On the move: January

RUDD SLINGS TO SINGAPORE

Professor Chris Rudd has gone west – from China to Singapore. The former provost of the University of Nottingham’s Ningbo campus in the coastal province of Zhejiang, near Shanghai, has made the island city-state his new home, after accepting a position as the new deputy vice-chancellor for James Cook University’s Singapore campus.

Rudd, who served as pro-vice chancellor for knowledge exchange and advancement, faculty PVC for social sciences, and dean of engineering, has worked in university management for 17 years.

His predecessor, Dr Dale Anderson, retired from the role last year.

CONSTANT CRAVEN

Contrary to this column’s name, the Australian Catholic University’s VC, Professor Greg Craven, is staying put.

The university has announced he will continue in his role, which he’s held since 2008, until at least 2022.

The public law expert is energised by his reappointment.

“I believe the next four years will be exciting ones for ACU,” he said.

University chancellor John Fahey lauded Craven’s tenure thus far: “ACU has evolved as a serious player in research in this country and internationally, and has steadily moved up in university rankings … In enhancing our Catholic identity, Professor Craven has strengthened the focus on mission at ACU with the opening of the Rome campus, the introduction of the Core Curriculum and the launch of ACU Engagement. These initiatives, experiences and symbols proudly define us a Catholic university.”

FELIZ NAVITAS

Private education heavyweight Navitas is on the bureaucratic ascent. The global educator joined the Council of Private Higher Education as its 49th member in December, where it will deliberate among the likes of Macleay College and the Australian Institute of Business.

“In May 2018, [former education minister Simon] Birmingham recognised COPHE membership as a badge of quality,” said the peak body’s CEO, Simon Finn, referring to remarks the minister made in a speech at the council’s AGM.

“Navitas shares this passion and is welcomed to COPHE.”

BROWN A SURE THING FOR AMSI

Statistician Tim Brown is headed for more data-crunching. The professor of data science at the University of Melbourne will helm the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) from next year.

The holder of a PhD in theoretical probability from the University of Cambridge, Brown is best known for his contributions to the ATAR system.

As director of AMSI, one of his key goals will be to strengthen maths in schools.

“To be prepared for the next 50 years of work, today’s students need understanding of fundamental concepts equally with context and applications,” he said.

DEPARTING VC KEEPS IT CASUAL

Artist Deidre But-Husaim has painted a portrait of an everyday man: outbound CQUniversity VC Scott Bowman. Apparently, it’s tradition-breaking, as he is pictured in ordinary garb (complete with his favourite Indigenous-patterned tie) instead of academic robes.

The artwork is rich with symbolism. For example, his formal robes hang to the right, “symbolising his retirement”, CQU art collection manager Sue Smith said. And the Santa hat on the basketball represents the university’s sponsorship of the CQU Cairns Taipans, as well as Bowman’s role as Mr Claus at university Christmas parties.

As signalled by the globe, Bowman, who served the university as its VC for a decade, plans to travel in his retirement.

DALLYING NO MORE

Dr Liz Dallimore has gone public. The former national director of research engagement and commercialisation at KPMG Australia has accepted a position at Curtin University as the inaugural director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub.

She is leading a team tasked with digital and internet technology innovation.

Curtin deputy VC (research) Professor Chris Moran is excited about Dallimore’s commercial experience: “By connecting industry to universities, the Curtin-led hub will ensure the sectors affected by digital disruption … have access to the latest opportunities presented by data science to ensure they remain competitive.”

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