Steve Bracks appointed Chancellor from 2021

Victoria University announces that after a decade of dedicated, visionary service, Mr George Pappas AO is retiring from his position as Chancellor at the end of 2019.

Council has appointed Deputy Chancellors Wayne Kayler-Thomson and Gaye Hamilton to take up the role of Chancellor throughout 2020 to ensure a seamless transition. Wayne will be Chancellor from January to June, 2020, followed by Gaye from July to December, 2020. Both of these highly-experienced VU Council Members will bring a unique perspective to the position of Chancellor.

In January 2021, The Honourable Steve Bracks AC will step into the position as the sixth Chancellor of Victoria University.

“I am honoured to take on this important role at VU. The west is experiencing unprecedented growth and prosperity and I am both excited and proud to have an opportunity to help shape the direction of VU. I believe in community, education and supporting VU as it continues its transformation into a world-class university, known internationally for its innovation and job-ready graduates,” said Steve Bracks.

Steve Bracks and VU have a long history of collaboration and in 2017, he was admitted to the degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa, in recognition of nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Victoria, in particular to VU’s heartland of Melbourne’s west.

The former Premier is also chair of the VU-led West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), a collaboration of local governments, businesses, and the community. WoMEDA’s economic development strategy focusses on creating high-skills job clusters in the region, especially in Footscray, Sunshine and Werribee.

“I am extremely delighted Steve has accepted the crucial role of Chancellor and we all look forward to working with him in 2021. Until then, we are very fortunate to continue to work with George and benefit from his insightful advice for the remainder of 2019. In 2020 we look forward to welcoming Wayne and Gaye to the joint role of Chancellor,” said Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor.

The Honourable Steve Bracks AC

Steve Bracks was one of Victoria’s longest serving Premiers. Born in Ballarat in 1954, he was educated at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat and Ballarat University where he obtained both a Diploma of Business Studies (Accounting) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Economics). See Steve Bracks' biography.