VU Vice-Chancellor Peter Dawkins to retire in 2021

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Dawkins, announced his retirement today after successfully initiating the most ambitious transformation agenda, and consequent financial turnaround, in the University’s history.

Victoria University Chancellor, Wayne Kayler-Thomson, said he and the University Council were grateful for the outstanding contribution Professor Dawkins has made to learning and teaching during his ten years in the role.

“Peter will leave behind an extensive legacy that includes introducing our award-winning ‘Block Model’* – a revolutionary, Australian-first way of delivering learning and teaching that has seen student pass and success rates soar,” Mr Kayler-Thomson said.

“He has also refocused VU’s commitment to research in areas of innovation and led the development of our Campus Master Plan, which will include the co-location of the new Footscray Hospital at our Footscray Park Campus to create a world-class health and education precinct.

“Peter is leaving Victoria University with a bright and exciting future, one where we can continue giving our students the best opportunity to reach their potential and fulfill their dreams while working closely with the communities we serve to make the West an even better place to live.

“Having Peter continue in the role for another 11 months will enable us to enjoy an efficient and effective transition period during which we can ensure the momentum of our transformation journey continues its trajectory,” Mr Kayler-Thomson said.

Driving positive change until his final days as VC

Staff at the University were informed of Professor Dawkins’ plans to retire this morning, and of his steadfast commitment to continue driving positive change at the University until his very last day.

“I’m very proud that during my time here at VU we have not just introduced some new ideas and ways of doing things, but we have embarked on a positive transformation process where everyone has had a role to play and a chance to contribute to our future success,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing our Block Model of teaching and learning – The VU Way – extended to all undergraduates this year and the positive impact this will have on student outcomes.

"In 2020 we will also have our first graduates who have studied their entire course under the Block Model. This major milestone will be an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate what we have accomplished in such a short period of time.

"Finally, I am committed to continuing to build our main campuses in line with the region and communities they are a part of, with the help of our many stakeholders in the West.”

“The commitment to make VU a great place to work will also remain a focus for me during my remaining time as Vice-Chancellor. My work is not done yet.”

Details regarding recruitment for Victoria University’s next Vice-chancellor will follow later this week.

*Introduced in 2018, VU’s Block Model is a completely New Way To Do Uni that focuses on students successfully completing one unit at a time before moving to the next, instead of juggling multiple units simultaneously. A first for Australian universities, the block model and its allied support programs have shown evidence of significant success.