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Professor Zlatko Skrbis appointed new Vice-Chancellor

Australian Catholic University (ACU) has appointed Professor Zlatko Skrbis as the University’s next Vice-Chancellor and President.

ACU Chancellor the Hon John Fahey AC GCSG announced the appointment on Thursday 6 August 2020. Mr Fahey led the search to replace Professor Greg Craven AO GCSG who is retiring after 13 years at the helm of ACU.

Mr Fahey congratulated Professor Skrbis on his appointment. He said that Professor Skrbis had already established himself as playing a fundamental role in the future of the University.

“Professor Skrbis was appointed following an international recruitment search. He is an outstanding candidate with a solid background in the Australian higher education sector. He has built a distinguished international research profile and is committed to the tradition of Catholic higher education. The University’s Senate and I look forward to working with Professor Skrbis.”

Professor Skrbis holds a PhD in Sociology and has a prominent and current international research profile in the fields of migration, social theory and youth studies. 

Before joining ACU, Professor Skrbis held senior executive roles at the University of Queensland and Monash University. He joined ACU in 2018 as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and is currently serving as Acting Provost.

Professor Skrbis has been instrumental in establishing a transformative program of work at ACU, which is focused on creating new and mission-based value for the University. He said he was committed to ensuring that ACU students were grounded in Catholic mission and were prepared for a career that would likely be characterised by unpredictable shifts and turns.

“I believe that to maintain a competitive advantage, ACU must deliver a diverse range of market-facing courses that lead to future-ready career outcomes. This will be achieved by offering courses that provide our students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of current and emerging markets,” he said.

Professor Skrbis said he was honoured to be appointed as ACU’s fourth Vice-Chancellor and President, and that he would build on the impressive achievements of his predecessors.

“It is humbling to be the next Vice-Chancellor and President of ACU. Whilst still very young, our University has already made a significant mark on the Catholic and higher education landscape in Australia and internationally. I am particularly grateful to Professor Craven for his wisdom, guidance, and support.

“I am committed to providing ACU with leadership that is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and predicated on a strong commitment to excellence, enterprise, and empathy. My ambition is that we evolve as a dynamic and innovative university, while being globally recognised as an institution that adheres to its strong Catholic principles and makes a tangible improvement to the lives of others through excellence in education, research, and community engagement.”

Professor Skrbis will take up his role on Monday 11 January 2021.