I write to provide an update on the Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Innovation portfolio, which has been managed by the Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Todd Walker since April. Professor Walker will now be supporting UNE’s expansion projects in Taree and Sydney. On behalf of the University, I offer my sincere thanks to him for his leadership of the PVCAI portfolio over a challenging transition period.  

Professor Steven Warburton has been appointed Acting PVCAI through to the end of December. He will be supported by Ms Barb Shaw who will take on management responsibilities for the Library and Student Grievance Unit in addition to her role as Director of Student Success. Again, I offer my thanks to Steve and Barb on behalf of the University for taking on these roles and for their exemplary collaborative approach.

In addition, I am pleased to advise that a Director of Academic Quality has been appointed, Mr Ewan Evans, who will be joining us on 21 September. Ewan has more than 15 years’ experience in higher education, working across Faculty and Central positions to deliver quality student outcomes. He is passionate about access to education, and using quality and governance tools as foundations on which universities can develop and thrive.

Previously, Ewan led Academic Standards and Quality at The Australian National University, and subsequently oversaw the University’s student administration operations as Deputy Registrar. He also co-led a student-focussed alignment of admission, scholarships, and accommodation practices, emphasising equity and the recognition of co-curricular activities of secondary students.

Kind regards,
Professor Brigid Heywood

Image: Professor Steven Warburton (left) pictured with Chancellor James Harris and staff member Robyn Halloran.