Murdoch VC resigns

Murdoch University has informed staff that vice chancellor Eeva Leinonen will step down later this year to become president of Maynooth University in Ireland.

Professor Leinonen joined the university in 2016 after serving as deputy vice chancellor of the University of Wollongong.

In an email sent to staff this afternoon, Professor Leinonen said the pandemic had impacted people’s professional and personal lives and provided opportunities for them to reassess what they feel is important.

"For eight years I was only ‘one flight away’ from my family and had many opportunities to connect through travel," she said.

"This is no longer the case.

"It is for this reason that I am returning to work in Europe and I feel honoured and delighted to be joining Maynooth University.”

Murdoch University chancellor Gary Smith offered commendation to Professor Leinonen, saying she had delivered outstanding leadership during her tenure.

“I have enjoyed working with Professor Leinonen and admire her talents as a university leader and academic,” he said.

”Maynooth University is gaining an outstanding leader and I wish her the very best for the future.”

Professor Leinonen will leave the university in October with a global search already begun to find her replacement.