By Jessica Anstice
After a successful three years as Federation University’s vice-chancellor and president, professor Helen Bartlett will finish her term in July to assume the same roles but at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Professor Bartlett has led Federation University, including the Berwick campus, through a period of significant transformation and growth in her three years as vice-chancellor.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Federation University through such a significant period of change over the past three years,” she said.
“It is very pleasing for me to have another opportunity to continue my passion for regional education and contribute to making a difference in my home state of Queensland.”
Under her leadership, the university has undergone a significant modernisation program.
Key achievements included: reversing the budget deficit and putting the university in a much stronger financial position; improving national and state rankings for teaching quality, leadership, graduate skills and employability; and achieving the highest possible rating for research quality under the national Excellence in Research Australia framework for the first time in the university’s history.
During her time she also secured Commonwealth funding for the growth of the Berwick campus while funding to the higher education sector was capped; renewed programs across all schools; increased international student numbers; and developed a new masterplan to improve teaching and research facilities.
“Helen has lead a significant transformation of Federation University over the past three years and will leave the organisation in a much stronger position with a clear strategy for growth,” chancellor Terry Moran AC said.
“The university has a strategic plan that is well advanced thanks to Helen’s leadership and this work will continue.
“I thank Helen her for her tireless efforts for our university community and have no doubt she will have a similar positive impact in her new role at the University of the Sunshine Coast.”
The university has begun a national search for a new vice-chancellor and president.
Professor Bartlett will continue leading the transformation agenda at the university while this process is underway, before departing the university in July.
