Search begins to recruit Deakin's seventh Vice-Chancellor

Mr Stanhope said the Australian and international search was underway to recruit and appoint an outstanding leader to continue driving Deakin forward.

"I advised the University Council that Vice-Chancellor Professor den Hollander will retire on or before 30 June 2019, when her second and current term expires," Mr Stanhope said.

"Of course Professor den Hollander will continue as Vice-Chancellor until her replacement is appointed, but I take this early opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of the Deakin community to her very significant achievements.

"Since Professor den Hollander took up her position as Vice-Chancellor in July 2010 she has led Deakin's rise to that of a world-class university in the top 2 per cent of major global rankings.

"Professor den Hollander's bold strategic direction and ambition for Deakin's success has seen the University rated first in Victoria for student satisfaction for eight consecutive years – a remarkable result that reflects an absolute commitment to the cause.

"At just 43 years of age, Deakin owes its continuing success to a strong vision for the future and its passionate and energetic academic and professional staff, students, communities and partners.

"Deakin has grown from Victoria's first regional university in 1974 to a thriving institution with more than 57,000 students from around the world, studying across campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, Warrnambool and in the cloud.

"Under the leadership of our next Vice-Chancellor, I am confident Deakin's reputation will continue to grow and we will keep working to address skills gaps, to create new industries from new ideas, and above all, to educate graduates for the careers of the future."