NEW DEAKIN CHIEF STARTS IN TOP JOB

DEAKIN University’s new vicechancellor will officially take the reins today.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin, pictured, is the university’s seventh vice-chancellor and replaces former head Prof Jane den Hollander.

Prof Martin joins the university from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, where he was vicechancellor.

Before that, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at the University of New South Wales from 2012 to 2016.

Prof Martin has been preparing to take over the role by undertaking a lengthy transition period at Deakin with Prof den Hollander. He said he said he felt “honoured” and greatly privileged to lead Deakin and to continue to address the challenges and opportunities affecting Australian communities.

“I believe in, and greatly admire, Deakin’s direction and progress,” he said.

“As one of Australia’s largest universities, Deakin has strong global linkages, world-class research and most importantly an educational portfolio that blends the best of campus and digital delivery into a highly supportive and personalised student experience.”

Prof Martin vowed to ensure Deakin continues to push educational boundaries to provide the best outcomes for students.

“As we build on our history we will continue to push the boundaries; through new approaches to delivering an outstanding education for our students, innovative digital leadership, expanding our community and industry connections, and through research excellence and global reach,” he said.

Prof Martin previously worked at the University of Auckland as Head of Surgery, Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Strategic Engagement.

He was born in South Wales, spent his childhood in Hampshire and studied medicine at the University of Leeds. Prof Martin trained and worked as a surgeon in Leeds before moving to New Zealand in 2000. He is married with two children.

Deakin Chancellor John Stanhope said Prof Martin had an impressive track record of successful academic leadership making him a “good fit” for Deakin.

In welcoming Professor Martin, Mr Stanhope paid tribute to Prof den Hollander.

“Professor den Hollander is a great leader and will always be a strong ambassador for Deakin,” Mr Stanhope said.