A top-level reorganisation at The University of Queensland will target better links with alumni, schools and industry.
The new executive management model positions the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, to be more active in UQ's external relations strategies – which he prioritised after becoming Vice-Chancellor in January.
Planning for the 2009 departure of two long-serving senior executives added to the imperative for the first major senior management reorganisation since 1997.
"The new model will take effect early in 2009 when Mr Douglas Porter and Professor Trevor Grigg finish many years of exemplary service as Secretary and Registrar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development), respectively," Professor Greenfield said.
"The reorganisation takes account of dramatic changes at UQ over the past decade. Our operating budget is now more than $1 billion, we have almost 6000 staff and 38,000 students, and we have never been so involved with international networks.
"Our responses to the changing environment have been patchy.
"The new structure will enable me and my senior management colleagues to pay more attention to alumni and to other essential partners, such as schools, industry, non-government organisations and government."
The most significant changes include:
- A new position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Relations)
- A new position of Executive Director and Vice President (Operations) to oversee corporate services, a function carried out by Mr Porter for 22 years
- A new position of University Secretary and General Counsel to perform the University secretariat and governance responsibilities (including Secretary to UQ's governing body, the Senate) also undertaken by Mr Porter
In determining the new structure, Professor Greenfield examined arrangements at other Group of Eight leading research-intensive universities (among which UQ's senior management is at the lean end of the spectrum), weighed a number of management concepts and considered emerging priorities.
"I want better responses to changing demand from the many groups that we serve, and this requires effective communication, clear lines of responsibility and a strong focus on emerging needs," Professor Greenfield said.
UQ's Senate has endorsed the changes, and the University will shortly begin global searches to fill key senior positions.
Media contact: Fiona Kennedy (07) 3365 1384/ 0413 380 012
