Deakin's new Chancellor invested at special ceremony

Deakin University invested its new Chancellor, Mr John Stanhope, at a special ceremony at its Waterfront campus in Geelong today.

Mr Stanhope, Deakin’s sixth Chancellor, has extensive experience in governance, finance, accounting and business strategy and succeeds Mr David Morgan, who served in the position for 10 years.

Hundreds of guests gathered at Costa Hall to witness the investiture ceremony, which was officiated by Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria.

A colourful academic procession, complete with full academic regalia, took to the streets surrounding the Waterfront campus to mark the occasion and reinforce the strong connection between Deakin and the community.

After taking part in the academic procession, Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander welcomed Mr Stanhope to the Deakin community.

“John takes up the position of Chancellor at a time of growth and change for Deakin and Australia’s higher education sector,” Professor den Hollander said.

“John’s knowledge and leadership will enrich and benefit Deakin and will enable him to steer our Council very well.

“He is well supported by a culture of good governance, experienced councillors and an effective university executive and administration.

“My fellow Council members and I look forward to John's wisdom and guidance as we educate the next generation and undertake research that makes a difference to the communities we serve.”

Mr Stanhope, has been a member of Deakin's Council since 2012. He is Deputy Chair of Council's Investment Committee and a member of the Finance and Business Affairs Committee.

Mr Stanhope is a Deakin Alumnus, a previous DUSA President and in 2014 received a Deakin Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.

He was Chief Financial Officer and Group Managing Director, Finance and Administration with Telstra Corporation from 2003 to 2011 and was an Executive Director of Telstra from 2009 to 2011.

He has held numerous company directorships and has been a Director of AGL Energy Limited since 2009 and the Bionics Institute since May 2012. In November 2012 he was appointed Chairman of Australian Post.

Mr Stanhope is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors, CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Australian Institute of Management and the Human Resources Management Institute.