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Chris Moran . Picture : Supplied .
‘ Reconnecting ’
UNE appoints new vice-chancellor .
By Emilie Lauer
The University of New England has appointed Professor Chris Moran as the university ’ s new vice-chancellor following the resignation of Brigid Heywood in August last year .
Professor Chris Moran , who has been Curtin ’ s University Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research since 2016 , said he was looking forward to “ reconnecting ” with rural life .
“ The rural , metro-Sydney and online identities of UNE provide unparalleled opportunities to expand upon the reputation of UNE as the state leader in providing excellent student experiences and practical life-long outcomes ,” he said .
“[ My family and I ] are very much looking forward to becoming a part of the New England community .”
Professor Moran ’ s appointment followed a six month search involving staff and stakeholders after former vicechancellor Brigid Heywood resigned last year .
Professor Heywood was charged with common assault and behaving offensively in public after an incident at an International Women ’ s Day panel in Armidale on March 8 last year .
The former VC was accused of wiping her saliva on the face of a 16-year-old attendee and remarking about the colour of her skin .
She has pleaded not guilty and said her decision to resign from was in the university ’ s best interest .
Her court case has been adjourned until late 2023 .
UNE Chancellor Mr James Harris said Professor Moran ’ s experience as an academic and university leader was key in his appointment .
“ Professor Moran brings a commitment to working with UNE to support our aspirations in research , education , community engagement and workplace culture ,” Mr Harris said .
“ The selection committee recognised the high calibre of applicants for this role , however , were ultimately unanimous in recommending to Council the appointment of Professor Moran .”
Professor Moran ’ s previous experience includes 15 years as a CSIRO program leader and a professorship at the University of Queensland sustainable minerals institute . His new appointment follows a rocky twelve months for the rural university .
In August last year , the National Tertiary Education Union surveyed over 400 UNE employees and found widespread anxiety , depression and burnout among staff .
According to the union , a high proportion of staff were found to be likely to meet “ diagnostic criteria requiring significant professional support and lengthy , intensive treatment to recover ”.
Nearly 40 per cent reported symptoms of extreme burnout , with over 20 per cent reporting high , severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression .
Almost a third of respondents reported experiencing workplace bullying on a daily basis .
In a letter sent to UNE management , the union called for “ urgent and systemic ” changes to the university ’ s governance and structure .
The union said bullying and misconduct by university management was a major factor driving poor staff wellbeing .
After the survey was published , thirty-nine UNE professors called for a systemic overhaul of university processes to ensure staff could report wrongdoing without fear of retribution .
Staff , alumni and former employees also called for the creation of a standing convocation in December to which facilitate “ more open , transparent and consultative communication ” between staff and management .
Professor Moran will start his new position later this year , taking from over Professor Simon Evans who has led as interim Vice-Chancellor since August . ■
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