Search begins for University of Adelaide’s next leader

The University of Adelaide has officially begun a global search for its next Vice-Chancellor and President.

Announcing the search to staff and students today, the Chancellor, the Hon. Catherine Branson AC QC, said the University was engaged in a “comprehensive local and international search for leading candidates”.

The University has begun advertising for the position and has engaged the services of external recruitment firm Heidrick & Struggles.

Ms Branson said: “Our next Vice-Chancellor and President must be a true leader for our University over the coming years.

“We want a leader who will inspire our students to achieve their full potential, our staff to teach and undertake research at the highest level, and our alumni to feel increasingly proud of their alma mater.

“Our next leader must be forward-thinking, collegiate and values driven – embracing equality and diversity, committed to linking the University with the local community, with government and the wider world, and advancing the interests of industry and humanity.

“We seek a Vice-Chancellor and President who will represent the very best of what universities can be, and who will help our University to become its very best.”

“We seek a Vice-Chancellor and President who will represent the very best of what universities can be, and who will help our University to become its very best.”The Hon. Catherine Branson AC QC, Chancellor

All staff and students were invited to rank the selection criteria for the new Vice-Chancellor and to provide written feedback, with 720 staff and students completing the survey and 247 comments received.

Additional stakeholder consultation about the role has so far included senior leaders, staff and students across the University, such as Academic Board, the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team, Heads of School, and student leadership.

A shortlist of candidates is due to be finalised in December, with interviews being held in January 2021.

Ms Branson has also announced that Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mike Brooks has accepted a request from the University’s Council to stay on in the role until a new Vice-Chancellor can begin in 2021.

“Professor Mike Brooks has been an outstanding leader for our University amid difficult and challenging circumstances, and I thank him for his ongoing dedication to the University, to its staff and students. With Mike continuing in the role, we can ensure certainty for our University community, and the best possible handover to our next Vice-Chancellor,” Ms Branson said.

adelaide.edu.au/our-next-vc