New Dean for University Vet School at Roseworthy campus

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

The University of Adelaide today announced distinguished veterinary academic, Professor Wayne Hein, as the new Dean of its Roseworthy campus and Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

"This is a pivotal leadership role which encompasses all aspects of the University's activity at Roseworthy from education and research to veterinary clinical services for the community," said Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice-Chancellor and President.

Professor Hein is currently Professor of Veterinary Sciences at James Cook University with a special interest in immunology and immunoparasitology and is recognised as an authority on the immune system of ruminants.

"Professor Hein has enormous experience as a researcher, academic administrator and as a much admired teacher. He will help us take our School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences forward and harness the tremendous community goodwill that has set the Roseworthy campus apart for over 100 years," said Professor Bebbington.

Professor Hein said leading the State's only Vet School was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I am delighted to accept this appointment in my home state of South Australia," said Professor Hein. "And I'm particularly looking forward to returning to Roseworthy where I earned my Diploma of Agriculture at the start of my academic career.

"A vet school holds a special place in the life of a comprehensive university like Adelaide," he said. "It's much more than simply an education or research centre. It provides a unique bridge to the local community and offers engagement opportunities through so many different channels."

Professor Bebbington acknowledged the significant contribution of the current Head of School, Professor Kym Abbott and the Executive Dean of the Roseworthy campus, Professor Iain Reid.

"The past few years have seen the campus and the school go from strength to strength culminating in the first group of vet students graduating at the end of 2013," he said. "Much of that credit must go to Professors Abbott and Reid who have guided the staff and students through this transformation and helped to enhance the University's partnership with the local community."

The incoming Dean, Professor Wayne Hein will commence in the position in February 2015.

Professor Hein has been Head of the School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and Dean of Veterinary Science at James Cook University since January 2011. He completed his veterinary degree at the University of Queensland and his PhD at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, at the Australian National University.

In the 12 years before joining James Cook University, Professor Hein held two senior leadership and management positions at AgResearch Ltd, in New Zealand. From 2005-2010 he was the Leader of the Animal Health Section in that organisation, with responsibility for around 60 research staff.

In 2007 he became the inaugural Director of the Hopkirk Research Institute, a newly built AgResearch facility co-located with the veterinary school of Massey University.

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