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Uni of Adelaide farewells Vice-Chancellor James McWha

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha AO.
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Tuesday, 26 June 2012

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide this week bids farewell to Professor James McWha AO after 10 outstanding years as Vice-Chancellor and President.

Professor McWha's last day will be this Friday, 29 June, following a week of farewell events at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy campuses.

South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Premier the Hon. paid tribute to Professor McWha, saying South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ had been well served by outstanding leaders in higher education. "James is well respected by his peers and has overseen a major overhaul of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ campus," Mr Weatherill said.

"Under his leadership, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has grown significantly in numbers and also in depth, particularly in research. His contribution to university teaching and research will be missed.

"His swift support of the people of Christchurch following the earthquake demonstrated the depth of his compassion," Mr Weatherill said.

Professor McWha joined the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide in 2002 after serving as Vice-Chancellor and President of Massey ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ in New Zealand. A native of Northern Ireland, Professor McWha began his career in agricultural science and has had an outstanding 40-year record as a teacher, researcher, manager of research institutes, academic administrator and communicator.

He has been actively involved in the higher education sector on a global level, with leading roles for the International Association of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Presidents, the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Universities Quality Agency, and Academic Consortium 21.

"It has been a great privilege to lead the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide over the past decade," Professor McWha said.

"I have been very fortunate to be part of an institution that champions knowledge and innovation. The reputation and strength of our ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ comes directly from our people - staff, students, graduates, affiliates and friends - and I thank each and every one of them for their contribution and commitment.

"I have no doubt that the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide will continue to achieve great things in the years to come."

Professor McWha also thanked his wife, Lindsay, who has been an important part of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide community over the past 10 years: "It's been a team effort. Lindsay's unique contribution, notably through leadership of the volunteer corps, has helped to harness the goodwill and support of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumni community, and I am grateful for her support.

"Lindsay and I have fallen in love with Adelaide. We look forward to spending many more years here, as well as dividing our time among children and grandchildren in other parts of the world," Professor McWha said.

Professor McWha will be succeeded by Professor Warren Bebbington, who will become the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s 20th Vice-Chancellor in mid July.

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