Deakin University’s seventh Vice-Chancellor Iain Martin began work on Monday with a vow to address future challenges and opportunities to benefit Geelong and Australia.
Professor Martin felt honoured and privileged to lead Deakin, he said.
“I believe in, and greatly admire, Deakin’s direction and progress. I look forward to meeting and listening to many students, staff and friends of Deakin in the coming weeks.”
Prof Martin was born in South Wales and spent his childhood in Hampshire. He is married with two children.
He studied medicine at University of Leeds and worked as a surgeon before moving to New Zealand in 2000.
Prof Martin spent 12 years at University of Auckland holding various positions, before becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2012.
He became Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University in England in 2016.
Prof Martin looked forward to building on Deakin University’s 45-year history to “push the boundaries” through new approaches to education and innovative digital leadership, he said.
He also hoped to expand the university’s community and industry connections through research excellence and global reach, he said.
Deakin Chancellor John Stanhope welcomed Prof Martin on behalf of the university’s council and thanked outgoing Vice-Chancellor Jane den Hollander.
Prof den Hollander received $1,109,999 in 2018, according to Deakin University’s annual report.
Only the heads of University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and UNSW received higher salaries during 2018.
