17 January 2024: Today the University of Canberra announced that Professor Paddy Nixon has stepped down from his position as University of Canberra’s Vice-Chancellor and President.
Professor Nixon commenced his role as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra in April 2020. Prior to joining the University of Canberra, Professor Nixon was Vice-Chancellor and President of Ulster University from 2015 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at the University of Tasmania from 2010.
Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM, said “Professor Nixon arrived at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully navigated its challenges by protecting both jobs and student learning.
“He led the development of our comprehensive decadal strategy, Connected, which sets the University on a path to even greater excellence defined by the success of students, the impact of research and support to staff,” Ms Paul said.
“Being the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra has been an absolute privilege. The University has come so far in the last four, very challenging, years,” said Professor Nixon. “For personal reasons, I am taking a career break.”
"Our success has been because we are a community truly dedicated to our core purpose of education and our commitment to this place. We would not have been able to reach this point without our exceptionally talented leadership team and the determination of our staff,” said Professor Nixon. “I also thank the Council for its support of me, commitment to University values and focus on our purpose.”
“I thank Professor Nixon for his contributions to the University’s successes. For example, we have been rated first in the world for reducing inequalities, two years running. I also note Professor Nixon’s commitment to advancing First Nations Peoples,” said Ms Paul.
The University will undertake a global search as soon as possible to fill the Vice-Chancellor and President role. Until that time the University of Canberra Interim Vice-Chancellor will be Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Lucy Johnston.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
M: 0408 826 362, or E:UCMedia@canberra.edu.au