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New Vice Chancellor for Southern Cross

University Council met today (August 26) for the last time prior to the newly-elected members taking their place on Council in September. The meeting was called to address a series of urgent items, the most significant being the resignation of Professor Adam Shoemaker as Vice Chancellor and the appointment of Professor Tyrone Carlin as our new Vice Chancellor.

Early last week I was advised by Professor Shoemaker that he would be accepting the Vice Chancellor role at Victoria University. The Sub-Committee of Council responsible for these matters met the same day, accepted his resignation and resolved to recommend to Council the appointment of Professor Carlin, DVC (Academic) as our new Vice Chancellor. The appointment was endorsed by Council today.

Professor Carlin brings wide-ranging experience to the Vice Chancellor role, having been DVC (Registrar) at University of Sydney before joining Southern Cross two years ago. He was also Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education Operations) of the University of Sydney, Co-Dean of the University of Sydney Business School, Dean of Law at Macquarie University and Director of Academic Programs at Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

More recently, he has been at the forefront of the reform process under way at Southern Cross in response to the COVID-19 crisis. I am sure you will join me in congratulating Professor Carlin on his appointment.

In order to give a fuller understanding of the experience and background of the Vice Chancellor-designate I attach to this note a more a more complete curriculum vitae.

Council recorded its thanks to Professor Shoemaker and I would like to add my very personal thanks for the enthusiastic and energetic manner in which he has led our University. His commitment to our regionality and unique social commitment has been a hallmark of his contribution. His final day with Southern Cross will be September 25.

New Council members

I thank all staff and students who voted in the recent Council elections and especially those who nominated for positions. I welcome Gabriella Wayne as the new student member; Dr Alessandro Pelizzon and Dr Renaud Joannes-Boyau as academic staff members and welcome back Graham Lancaster as the non-academic staff representative.

Their respective terms commence on September 10.

Continued adaption to the post-COVID 19 environment

As the University continues to adapt to the important reforms required to ensure its long-term sustainability, Council received a report from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic). The Vice Chancellor also updated the Council on proposed legislative changes around University funding that reinforced the need for this adaption.

The Hotel School expansion

Council also discussed the proposed expansion of The Hotel School. The Hotel School has operated successfully as a joint venture between Mulpha hotel group and Southern Cross University for decades, expanding from its Melbourne and Sydney locations into Brisbane last year. Council is ensuring that any new opportunity is thoroughly considered on robust commercial grounds. Together with our partners we are exploring an additional opportunity to open a Hotel School in what could be considered a five-star location to widen the student offering.

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Chancellor Nick Burton Taylor
26 August, 2020