Message from the Chancellor
UTS Chancellor, Professor Vicki Sara: Welcome. On behalf of the University’s governing body, the UTS Council, it gives me great pleasure to share with you my thoughts on the role of the Vice-Chancellor, and to briefly introduce you to UTS – one of Australia’s most dynamic, engaging and ambitious universities.
As Chancellor, I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of working with the incumbent Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ross Milbourne, for almost 10 years. When Ross retires, his successor will inherit a financially robust, strategically sound and operationally efficient institution with a collegial and inclusive culture.
Importantly, when I speak with UTS staff and students, I’m struck by the degree of engagement they have with the University’s vision, our purpose and our values.
Our vision in particular, articulates a vision we all share. And as the University embarks on a new chapter in its history, we seek a future-focused leader of international standing to share and to advance our vision.
That is not to say we want a Vice-Chancellor who doesn’t bring her or his own fresh ideas and strategic thinking – it is quite the contrary. What differentiates and defines UTS is our shared future-focus.
By the end of our third decade, just five short years away, UTS aims to be recognised as one the world’s leading universities of technology, renowned for a track record in creativity and in innovation; for high impact research; and for offering an unparalleled learning experience to every UTS student. It is a goal that all of us at UTS are quite committed to achieving. And if UTS is to achieve these aims, our next Vice-Chancellor must also be future-focused.
The successful candidate will possess the intellectual distinction and professional standing that commands respect at a world-class university. They will be strategic, inspirational and have gained their leadership experience at large and complex organisations. And they will possess the ability to inspire confidence and to motivate both academic and professional staff, and to engender the high levels of commitment to the goals of the University.
Given the environment in which we operate, the successful candidate will also possess demonstrable leadership skills in policy development and strategic planning, as well as the ability to influence and shape national higher education discourse. The proven ability to build successful partnerships nationally and internationally with government, with industry, with the business community, other universities and research institutes, as well as community groups, alumni and the media is quite essential; as is an international outlook and a deep understanding of global trends and opportunities in higher education.
Most importantly, the successful candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. He or she will have a reputation for integrity, ethical behaviour, humility and openness, as well as a strong desire to support a culture where collegiality, diversity and social justice are strongly valued.
UTS has achieved so much in such a short time. This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary. Next year, when a new Vice-Chancellor takes the helm, UTS will have made significant progress towards completing its state-of-the-art campus; in honouring its commitment to students and staff, both current and future; to deliver learning, teaching and research experiences like no other.
The materials that accompany this video provide you with a wealth of information about UTS, our journey to date, and our plans for the future. I do hope you consider this wonderful opportunity and I wish you every success.
