Curtin appoints new VC

University of Otago vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne has been named the next vice-chancellor of Curtin University.

Professor Hayne has served as vice-chancellor of the New Zealand institution since 2011 and currently serves as chair of Fulbright New Zealand and Universities New Zealand Research Committee.

Prior to those roles, she served as chair of Universities New Zealand as well as on the board of Treasury in New Zealand, and in 2009 was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to scientific and medical research.

Professor Hayne will assume the role in April of next year.

Curtin University chancellor Andrew Crane said Professor Hayne’s leadership experience had built a student-focused culture at the University of Otago.

“This makes her an ideal appointment as Curtin’s next vice-chancellor and we know she will lead Curtin through these challenging times to grow our reputation as a leading global university,” he said.

Professor Hayne will replace Deborah Terry as vice-chancellor.

Professor Terry, who had served six years as Curtin’s vice-chancellor, became vice-chancellor of the University of Queensland in August.

She has continued in her role as chair of Universities Australia.