New FedUni VC appointed

THE search is over for the new vice-chancellor of Federation University with Professor Duncan Bentley named to the top job.

Professor Bentley will take over as VC in August from the outgoing head Professor Helen Bartlett.

Presently a deputy vice-chancellor at Swinburne University, Professor Bentley has also served in that role at Victoria University.

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as Federation University’s next vice-chancellor,” he said. “I am a passionate advocate for areas that are important to the university, including the student experience, research and community engagement.

“I look forward to working with the university staff, students, alumni, and partners in the broader community to continue to drive the culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. We shall build dynamically on Federation’s success and international recognition as an educational and research leader for regional Victoria.”

With a long list of mostly law related undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications obtained at universities across the globe, Professor Bentley also holds a PhD from Bond University and has published extensively on tax policy and law.

That’s led him to focus on areas within universities like financial stability, growth, innovation and engagement as well as digital technologies and transnational education, all with a focus on positive student experiences.

Federation University chancellor, Terry Moran AC said it’s those skills that the higher-education institution was looking for.

“As Federation University continues the implementation of its five-year strategic plan, with Professor Bentley’s deep knowledge and commitment to a student-centric approach across all areas of the student experience, we look forward to his vision and leadership in our next phase of growth,” he said.

Outgoing vice-chancellor and FedUni president Professor Bartlett is heading to the University of Sunshine Coast in Queensland to take on that institutions VC job.

She’s led Federation University since 2017 and Mr Moran thanked her for her service.

“The council and I could not be more appreciative of Professor Bartlett’s expertise and leadership over the past three years of transformation which has seen the university academically and financially strong, and global reputation and rankings significantly improved,” he said.

“Professor Bartlett has established a foundation upon which her successor can build and we wish her well in her next appointment.”