Statement from the Chancellor

Below is a copy of an email sent to all Deakin staff on Tuesday afternoon, from Chancellor Claire Higgins, regarding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin and caretaker leadership arrangements:

Dear colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that Professor Iain Martin has resigned as Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University. Council accepted Iain’s resignation with respect, and he finishes in the role today.

As you know, Iain has led Deakin for almost seven years. He commenced in July 2019 and guided the University through the pandemic, the most difficult period in our recent history. As a result of Iain’s leadership, Deakin is in a much stronger position today.

On behalf of Council and the entire Deakin community, we are very grateful for Iain’s service. We will recognise Iain’s contribution more fully in due course. For now, I thank Iain and wish him well.

Professor Matthew Clarke, our Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, will step in as caretaker Vice-Chancellor from today.

Council will appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor shortly to lead the University through the period ahead, and we will then begin the process to appoint our next Vice-Chancellor.

I acknowledge that a change like this can be unsettling. Please remember that Deakin is in a steady position, and that is a credit to the great work you all do here every day.

I will keep you updated as the appointment process gets underway.

Sincerely,

Claire Higgins
Chancellor