Ulster University’s Vice-Chancellor set for move to Canberra
University’s Vice-Chancellor Paddy Nixon is set to depart Northern Ireland as he takes up a new role at the University of Canberra.
Professor Nixon will leave his post in February before moving to the Australian capital, where he will become Vice-Chancellor of the Canberra institution.
The former computer scientist joined Ulster University as Vice-Chancellor in 2015.
The Liverpool man’s move marks a return to familiar grounds, having been formerly based at the University of Tasmania in 2010.
Speaking about the upcoming move, Professor Nixon said he was “sorry to be leaving the university”.
He added: “I am confident that the leadership and wider university team will continue their work in this regard to grow Ulster’s position as a civic university.
“It has been an honour to lead Ulster University.”
Ulster University has con firmed that a process to appoint a successor is due to commence shortly.
Professor Nixon will be replaced on an interim basis by Professor Paul Bartholomew, currently the deputy Vice-Chancellor at the institution.
Redmond McFadden, president of the Londonderry Chamber, praised Professor Nixon’s commitment to the region.
He said: “The Chamber is sorry to hear of the departure of Professor Paddy Nixon from Ulster University and we would like to extend our warm wishes to him and thank him for his dedication to Magee and the north west region.
“We look forward to working with his successor and continuing to campaign for an expansion of Magee and to bring a much-needed medical school to the north west.”