Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket advised the University’s Council last night that she will not be standing for re-appointment at the end of her second term, which ends in February 2014.
Professor Hacket, who was appointed Vice-Chancellor in 2006, will retire in August this year to take-up long service leave until February 2014.
Professor Hacket said she had drawn a great deal of inspiration from working with so many highly talented professionals over more than 30 years at Curtin and believes the University has challenging but very exciting days ahead.
“Curtin has a brilliant future, which I will continue to follow with immense interest when I depart in August,” Professor Hacket said.
“With so many projects being progressed, from the commencement of our Law School this semester, the progress we are making toward establishing a medical school, to the high-impact research being undertaken, the coming years will be an outstanding time in Curtin’s history,” she said.
“It is with a great deal of sadness that I leave the University, where I have worked with many brilliant people and enjoyed watching our thousands of students graduate and develop successful careers. However, after many years at Curtin it is time for me to devote more time to family and other opportunities.”
Curtin Chancellor Mr Colin Beckett said Professor Hacket’s outstanding career had been characterised by her integrity, initiative and vision.
“Professor Hacket has a well-deserved national reputation as a dynamic leader with a long-standing commitment to education in Western Australia,” Mr Beckett said.
“Under her leadership, Curtin has seen an increase in student numbers, research has intensified, multi-million dollar capital works programs have been completed and the University’s national and international reputation has grown remarkably.
“Professor Hacket has also ensured that Curtin is in a strong fiscal position ready to take on challenges in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive environment.”
An international search for a successor will commence shortly, with the intention to have a new Vice-Chancellor in place for Semester 1, 2014.
Professor Colin Stirling, who currently holds the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, will take up the position of Acting Vice-Chancellor from August until the position is filled.
Professor Stirling joined Curtin in 2011 from the University of Manchester. He has had a distinguished research career in molecular genetics spanning more than 20 years and has most recently led the development of Curtin’s new strategic plan.
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