17 May 2019: Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deep Saini, has resigned his position from the University of Canberra after having been appointed to the position of the 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Dalhousie University in Canada. Professor Saini will be continuing in his current role until 24 December 2019.
“While it is undoubtedly sad to leave UC when the university is on such an impressive trajectory, the opportunity at Dalhousie—one of Canada’s leading universities—is also exciting,” said Professor Saini. “The move will allow my wife and I to deal with the considerable challenges we’ve had managing our family commitments.”
Professor Saini was selected as Vice-Chancellor for the University of Canberra following an international search and commenced in September 2016. Under Professor Saini’s leadership, the University has embarked on its current Strategic Plan: Distinctive by Design.
Under that plan, the University of Canberra has achieved remarkable results in teaching and research including a rise to 58th position of young universities in the world. UC is also currently close to entering the top 1% of all universities. For its young age, this impressive rise through the rankings is an incredible result achieved by the entire staff under the stewardship of Professor Saini.
“In the seven and a half months I have left at this incredible institution, I will be focusing all my attention on finishing the projects I have started,” said Professor Saini. “We have an immensely talented team in place here at UC, and I look forward to strengthening the bonds between Canberra and Canada’s leading institutions into the future.”
Professor Saini is a proud sports fan, cheering on the beloved UC Capitals to the championship win. His passion for sport has seen renewed relationship with the Brumbies and the growth of the UC Sports Precinct. He created a dedicated team to support sport as well as student placements and the academic opportunities for teaching and research in sport-related fields.
During his leadership, the state-of-the-art University of Canberra Public Hospital and Canberra Specialist Medical Centre opened to provide additional health services to the Canberra community. The local focus for UC has continued to grow under Professor Saini’s leadership as has the passion for diversity in all forms and an understanding of the relationship with our Indigenous community.
“I would be leaving UC with much pride in what we’ve accomplished together and a deep sense of gratitude for the warmth my wife and I received from the University and the Canberra community,” said Professor Saini. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in two of the best countries in the world, and I look forward to continuing to build academic bridges between Australia and Canada.”
While Professor Saini’s departure is sooner than planned, the University will commence the process to find a suitable successor to continue the progress toward being the best University for Canberra and our region.
With the guidance and support of the Council—the University’s governance body—we will ensure that Professor Saini’s successor is selected to lead and support our people fulfil the Strategic Plan: Distinctive by Design and continue the steady progress of the University in its academic mission.
Chancellor Professor Tom Calma AO acknowledged Professor Saini’s leadership and enthusiasm, guidance, compassion and care for our people during his term as Vice Chancellor and wishes him well in his new role.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Megan Reeder Hope
Associate Director, University of Canberra
megan.reederhope@canberra.edu.au
0435 103 735