"Following the decision of Chancellor of the University of New England (UNE), Mr James Harris, to step down at the expiry of his current term towards the end this year, the Council of UNE has formally commenced a Chancellor Selection Process.
The appointment of a new Chancellor is a key priority for the Council, and it is committed to a best practice process and governance. The Council also recognises that the University is entering a new era and is highly attuned to future necessities and opportunities.
Ms Jan McClelland AM, Deputy Chancellor, has been appointed as Chair of the Chancellor Selection Committee, and other Council appointees are Professor Chris Moran, Vice-Chancellor & CEO; Associate Professor Jennifer McDonell, Council Member and Chair of Academic Board; Ian Gillespie, Council Member; David van Aanholt, Council Member; and, Megan Aitken, Council Member.
The Terms of Reference for the Chancellor Selection Committee provides for external membership, allowing contributions from eminent persons with higher education and other relevant backgrounds and skills. Two such people have accepted the invitation to join the Committee: Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, a renowned leader in the tertiary education sector, and Mr Byron Davis, a leader in Indigenous tertiary education, training and employment.
The Chancellor Selection Committee has appointed global leadership search firm Egon Zehnder to undertake a wide-ranging executive search.
The Council understands the significance of appointing a pre-eminent individual to lead this great University. It is seeking someone who is a recognised leader, has a breadth of professional and Board experience and connection with the higher education sector. Further, it seeks an outstanding individual with the personal attributes to be a compelling public face for UNE. The Council seeks to appoint a person who understands and has a passion for the role and importance of universities in society.
Engagement with, and listening to, UNE’s broad constituency of stakeholders is a priority for the University Council, and for its governance approach and processes.
UNE has a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all its appointments."
Jan McClelland AM
Deputy Chancellor and Chair, UNE Chancellor Selection Committee
