New leadership role for Deakin Warrnambool

The Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Jane den Hollander, today announced a new leadership position to deliver a strategy for the future of the Warrnambool Campus that will better meet the needs of the Warrnambool community and Deakin.

Professor den Hollander said Mr Grant Sutherland had been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Warrnambool to develop the Deakin Warrnambool 2020 Strategy.

Mr Sutherland comes to Deakin from his position as Chief Executive of the Bendigo Kangan Institute. Prior to that he spent more than 14 years at The Gordon Institute of TAFE, where he was the Executive Director for Business Development, Deputy CEO and CEO.

Mr Sutherland will work across Warrnambool, Geelong and Melbourne to develop a strategy aligned with Deakin's growth and development as a world class University.

"The Warrnambool Campus has been an integral part of Deakin since 1990, underpinning our commitment to supporting regional communities and widening access to tertiary study," Professor den Hollander said.

"The campus plays a vital role in producing skilled graduates for key local industries and developing the economic, social and knowledge fabric of the community.

"In the face of change, we must change too so we can continue to meet the needs of the community we serve.

"We see a future for an educational precinct in Warrnambool, with local schools, the TAFE and Deakin providing a seamless continuum for the needs of the town.

"The educational courses Deakin provides must match the skill base needs of Warrnambool. 

"Deakin has a strong and long standing relationship with South West TAFE and we see great opportunities to strengthen that relationship. We see a closer connection to school retention and TAFE pathways, and will work to build a strong campus life around courses that fit these pathways.

"Grant is an experienced leader and will bring to Warrnambool and Deakin deep and longstanding experience building sustainable plans, policies and resources in the face of change.

"He will provide the new thinking and leadership to explore and develop a comprehensive structure that will work for Warrnambool and Deakin in the long term."

Mr Sutherland will work with the Head of Warrnambool Campus, Professor Gerry Quinn, to engage all levels of government and increase University partnerships and opportunities with industry, community and professional bodies.  

He will take up his position in late April.