Dr Michael Spence to remain Vice-Chancellor until 2022
The Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM welcomed the opportunity for Dr Spence to continue working with the Senate and his leadership team to achieve the vision set out in the University’s strategy.
“The Senate is delighted that Dr Spence has agreed to continue as Vice-Chancellor of the University,” she said.
“His outstanding leadership since 2008 has been instrumental in enhancing the University’s global reputation for excellence in teaching and research, and in fostering an environment where our highly talented staff and students are enabled to achieve their full potential.”
Dr Michael Spence, University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
Dr Spence said that he was excited by the prospect of remaining with the University for a further four years.
“I have seen such growth in our University community over the past ten years, and I believe that we have largely been able to stay true to what is good in our tradition whilst embracing new ideas, ways of working and seeing the world,” he said.
“I have never been more proud to be part of this institution and I am grateful to be able to continue to work with such high-calibre colleagues and students.”
Some of the University’s achievements under Dr Spence’s leadership include:
- the introduction of a new four-year undergraduate curriculum
- the establishment of multi-disciplinary initiatives such as the Charles Perkins Centre and the Brain and Mind Centre
- strengthened links with China including the establishment of a research and education centre in Suzhou
- plans for the University’s expansion into Western Sydney
- significant investment in infrastructure
- the INSPIRED philanthropic campaign, which saw the University become the first in Australia to reach $1bn in donations
- increasing the University’s position in all four major rankings.
Last week, news was released that the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation rated all 22 fields of University of Sydney's research as above or well above world standard and the 2018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment has rated 96 percent of the University of Sydney's research as 'high' or 'medium' for engagement and impact.
Dr Spence said his priorities for this year will be to ensure the University is on track for the successful completion of the 2016-2020 strategic plan and to prepare for the following five-year period.
The University will sell the house in Woollahra where Dr Spence currently resides and he will move in to a self-funded property, where he intends to continue the tradition of University entertaining in his home.
