The Senate has accepted Professor Higgott’s resignation – effective immediately.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution Professor Higgott has made to Murdoch.

I have no doubt that his vision of refocussing Murdoch as a globally recognised research-led university is a legacy for which he will be justifiably recognised.

As a result of Professor Higgott’s resignation, I am pleased to announce that Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Taggart, has been appointed to the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor.

As you may know, Professor Taggart is a long-standing member of the University’s Strategic Leadership Team and has the full support of the Senate and senior staff in carrying-out this important responsibility.

The past few weeks have been a difficult time for the University, especially around the unfortunate but necessary need to refer matters to the Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been encouraged by the continuing support for the University by the whole Murdoch community and in particular our staff.

As a Senate we are fully supportive of the Strategic Leadership Group and the University’s vision, propagated by the former Vice Chancellor, to be recognised as a globally recognised research lead institution.

Over the next few years, Murdoch is going to go through a period of change and development that will present many and varied challenges along the way.

But as a Senate we are convinced of the espoused Murdoch vision and that this successful transition represents the best chance of achieving the professional and academic recognition and financial strength that Murdoch deserves.

With this in mind, I am also pleased to announce that recently retired, former Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Western Australia, Professor Bill Louden, will be joining Murdoch as part of the implementation of our strategy for ‘securing the future’

Professor Louden had been in discussions with the former Vice-Chancellor and the Provost, to assist in them in the implementation of the strategy, and we are pleased he has accepted the role.  In line with recent good practice at other universities, Professor Louden will also act as Strategic Advisor to the Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Murdoch University and I know this will ensure that we continue to take our place among the world’s leading universities.  

Mr. David Flanagan

Chancellor