ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥

Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Appoints Vice-Chancellor

Monday, 13 August 2001

Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has announced the appointment of Professor Cliff Blake AM as Vice-Chancellor pending the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows the resignation last week of Professor Mary O'Kane.

Professor Blake retired last month after 11 years as foundation Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ in Bathurst, New South Wales. At the time of his retirement he was the longest-serving chief executive in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n higher education, with 31 years experience in leadership positions.

The Chancellor of Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, Mr Robert Champion de Crespigny, said the appointment had been made in accordance with the process established and approved by the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Council. He said he was very pleased that the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ had been able to make such an excellent appointment so promptly.

"Professor Blake has a wealth of experience as a Vice-Chancellor, and we are fortunate that a person of his calibre is available to take on the role until a permanent appointment is made," Mr de Crespigny said. "He guided the growth and development of Charles Sturt ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and its predecessor institutions since 1974, and his achievement is recognised throughout the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n higher education sector.

"His experience will help to guide Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ through the transition period. He will ensure that the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ continues to work to its already-established agenda and he will also assist with advice on the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor.

"The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ will now embark on an international search for a permanent Vice-Chancellor. We expect that it will be several months before the appointment is made, and it is important that in the interim, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ continues to work towards its key goals.

"The appointment of a person from outside Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ ensures that our current senior management team can continue to focus on, and implement, the key strategies as agreed by the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Council. The senior management welcomes this appointment."

Professor Blake said that as Vice-Chancellor he intends to keep Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ moving forward.

"A lot of important initiatives are under way and need to be brought to fulfilment," he said. "The next six months will be a critical time for Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. We will have the annual Commonwealth educational profile visit and there is also the possibility of both State and Federal elections. During the pre-election period I want to position Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ to take advantage of any opportunities that arise, especially in research, development and innovation.

"My main aim is to develop quickly a cohesive and self-confident institution that has pride in itself and has in place streamlined academic ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and administration.

"I have given an undertaking to the Chancellor that I will remain at the helm until a permanent Vice-Chancellor is appointed, and that I will not be an applicant for that position."

Professor Blake is a former President of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Higher Education Industry Association, former Convenor of the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Conference, a former Chairman of the National Conference on Open and Distance Education, and a former Board member of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Vice-Chancellors' Committee. He was awarded an AM for his contribution to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n higher education.

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