Curtin University head and Universities Australia chair Deborah Terry has been named the next vice-chancellor of the University of Queensland, in a return to the institution where she has spent most of her professional life.

Queensland chancellor Peter Varghese said the university¡¯s senate had unanimously agreed to Professor Terry¡¯s appointment, after consulting staff, students, alumni and partners on the traits they desired in a new leader.

¡°Like many industries, the university sector is going through significant change, combined with much economic and political uncertainty,¡± Mr Varghese said. ¡°Our staff, students and researchers are looking for global opportunities to collaborate and partner.

¡°Professor Terry¡¯s deep knowledge of the sector, her focus on people and culture and her track record in building partnerships¡­are the skills needed to build on the achievements of [current vice-chancellor] Peter H?j.¡±

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The appointment takes effect next August. It will return Professor Terry to the university she left almost six years ago as senior deputy vice-chancellor, having joined Queensland in 1990 as a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Psychology.

She said she looked forward to ¡°building on Professor H?j¡¯s significant legacy in order to lead UQ through its next phase of development and impact¡±.

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Curtin said it would immediately begin the search for a new boss. ¡°We believe the vice-chancellorship of Curtin is a very attractive position and will attract an impressive field of candidates from across the globe,¡± said chancellor Andrew Crane.

If Curtin felt rancour at losing its chief, it was not showing it, noting that Queensland was the second-top Australian institution in this year¡¯s Academic Ranking of World Universities. Dr Crane said Professor Terry¡¯s appointment ¡°recognises her significant achievements at Curtin¡±.

Queensland returned the favour, saying Curtin¡¯s global reputation and rankings had ¡°significantly improved¡± under Professor Terry¡¯s tenure.

¡°Curtin is now widely considered to be one of Australia¡¯s rapidly rising universities and is ranked number one for graduate employment in Western Australia,¡± Mr Varghese said.

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¡°Under Professor Terry¡¯s leadership, the university continues to grow in scale and reach regionally and globally. It has opened a new medical school, a law centre and commenced work on a new innovation precinct.¡±

john.ross@timeshighereducation.com