New uni chief to drive city move

PROFESSOR Rufus Black is eager to continue the legacy of Peter Rathjen when he steps into the role of University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor next year.

The renowned ethicist, educator and strategic consultant has been announced as the incoming Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Tasmania.

Prof Black will start the role in March, replacing Professor Rathjen, who has been appointed to the equivalent role at the University of Adelaide.

Prof Black is the deputy chancellor of Victoria University and holds degrees in law and politics from the University of Melbourne.

He also has degrees in moral theology from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.

Prof Black, who has visited Tasmania with his family a number of times, said he was keen to continue the universi- ty’s movement into Hobart’s CBD, which includes the push for a $400 million STEM project.

“I think that’s a profoundly important idea,” he said.

“Knowledge at the core of cities is what transforms them.”

He was also aware the Macquarie Point Development Corporation’s push for a $40 million Antarctic and science precinct is gathering momentum.

“It sounds like an exciting idea but I know there are all sorts of ideas for those areas of land so I look forward to understanding what the university’s vision is for that,” he said.

Prof Black said he would also get involved in the drawnout pay dispute between UTAS and the National Tertiary Education Union if it wasn’t resolved before he took up his role.

“That’s the current team’s work in progress, so if that is still ongoing when I arrive I look forward to getting up to speed on that,” he said.

University Chancellor Michael Field said the selection panel had waded through 38 applicants and found Prof Black was a unanimous choice.

“Professor Black articulated to the selection panel an intimate understanding of the University of Tasmania’s central role in delivering a more prosperous future for the state and its citizens,” he said.

“I am sure he will build on the platform that is the legacy of the previous Vice-Chancellor Peter Rathjen.”

Tasmanian University Union president Clark Cooley welcomed Prof Black’s appointment.