New Chancellor appointed to University of Adelaide

The Hon. Robert Hill has been appointed Chancellor to the University of Adelaide.
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Friday, 9 April 2010

The University of Adelaide Council today announced the appointment of a former federal Senator and Representative of Australia to the United Nations as the next Chancellor of the University of Adelaide.

The Deputy Chancellor, Pamela Martin, confirmed that the Hon. Robert Hill will be the 15th Chancellor in the University's history and will succeed the Hon. John von Doussa QC, who retires from the position on 25 July 2010 after a term of six years of outstanding service as Chancellor of the University of Adelaide.

The University has always been well served by its Chancellors who have been people of the highest calibre as exhibited by the present Chancellor, the Hon. John von Doussa. Ms Martin said that the Council was particularly delighted that someone of Mr Hill's standing had accepted the position.

"This is a particularly exciting time for the University," said Ms Martin.

"The higher education sector as a whole is undergoing significant reform.

"Mr Hill's longstanding interest in education, in addition to his extensive background in the political and diplomatic arena, will help the University move forward with its plans for future growth in quality higher education."

The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha, also welcomed the appointment.

"Mr Hill's immense experience and expertise will prove invaluable as the University builds on its formidable reputation as a great research institution," said Professor McWha.

A University of Adelaide graduate in arts and law, Mr Hill is known locally, nationally and internationally having been a former Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations and a former Australian federal politician.

Currently he is Chair, Australian Carbon Trust Ltd, having been appointed to this role by the Prime Minister, and is an Adjunct Professor in Sustainability, United States Studies Centre, at the University of Sydney. He is well respected in the broader community and Federal and State governments of all political persuasions and has extensive experience discussing significant national and international issues in the public arena.

Before entering politics, Mr Hill was a barrister and solicitor having gained a masters degree in law from the University of London. His long political career, from 1981 until 2006, included 10 years as the Leader of the Government in the Senate from March 1996 until his resignation in January 2006.

Mr Hill said the University was fortunate to have excellent staff in both teaching and research. He said he looked forward to working with the Council, Vice-Chancellor and the whole University community.

"It is an honour to be appointed Chancellor and to succeed John von Doussa who has contributed so much to the law, justice and public life," Mr Hill said.

"The University of Adelaide is a highly valued part of South Australian life, but is also important nationally and internationally in terms of its teaching and research.

"My responsibility is to support the University build on that reputation as a great institution for education and scholarship."

Mr Hill, who lives in Adelaide with his family, has been appointed Chancellor for a two-year term commencing 26 July 2010.

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