Curtin University of Technology has appointed prominent former federal politician Professor Stephen Martin as its deputy vice-chancellor strategy and planning, replacing professor Greg Craven.
Curtin University of Technology has appointed prominent former federal politician Professor Stephen Martin as its deputy vice-chancellor strategy and planning, replacing professor Greg Craven.
Professor Martin is currently pro vice-chancellor international at Victoria University and was previously chief executive officer at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, and professorial fellow and director, corporate and executive education of Wollongong's Graduate School of Business and Professional Development.
He has a PhD in economics from the University of Wollongong and holds an Honorary Professorship with Hebei University of Economics and Business. He is currently chair of Universities Australia International Committee.
From 1984-2002 professor Martin was a member of the australian Parliament and was speaker of the House of Representatives for three years.
As a member of the Shadow Cabinet, he held the portfolios of Trade and Tourism, Defence, Small Business and Customs, and Sport and is well known for chairing a significant inquiry into the Australian banking industry.
Curtin vice-chancellor professor Jeanette Hacket said professor Martin's extensive political experience, coupled with his work in the higher education sector, made him ideally suited to the role.
"Professor Martin is well aware of the issues within the higher education sector, and will be able to develop strategies to enable Curtin to meet challenges and capitalise on opportunities," she said.
"In particular his engagement with China will add value to Curtin's growing education and research linkages with that country.
"His appointment will add a new dimension to Curtin's senior executive and I am very pleased to welcome him to the team."
Professor Martin said he looked forward to joining Curtin, as its international engagement and commitment to serving the local community were directly relevant to his background and interests.
"I am confident I will be able to make a significant contribution to the University and am pleased to be joining Curtin."
Professor Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Australian National University, a Diploma of Education from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master of Town and Country Planning from the University of Sydney. He completed his doctoral studies in 2000.
Professor Martin has been a patron of numerous community business and sporting organisations and was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003.
Mr Craven left the University in December to take up the vice-chancellorship of Australian Catholic University.
