Media releases

Federation University Australia today announced that Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, will finish her term in July 2020 to assume the role of Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Professor Bartlett has led Federation University through a period of significant transformation and growth in her three years as Vice-Chancellor.

Under Professor Bartlett’s leadership, Federation University has undergone a significant modernisation program. Key achievements include:

• reversing the budget deficit and putting the university in a much stronger financial position
• improving national and state rankings for teaching quality, leadership, graduate skills and employability
• achieving the highest possible rating for research quality under the national Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) framework for the first time in the university’s history
• securing Commonwealth funding for the growth of the university’s Berwick campus while funding to the higher education sector was capped
• introducing a new academic organisational structure
• renewing programs across all Schools to ensure students graduate with the skills employers need now and into the future
• increasing international student numbers
• developing a new masterplan to improve teaching and research facilities and equipment

The university has begun a national search for a new Vice-Chancellor and President.

Professor Bartlett will continue leading the transformation agenda at Federation University while this process is underway, before departing the university in July.

Quotes attributable to Chancellor Terry Moran AC

“Helen has led a significant transformation of Federation University over the past three years and will leave the organisation in a much stronger position with a clear strategy for growth.”

“The university has a strategic plan that is well advanced thanks to Helen’s leadership and this work will continue.”

“I thank Helen for her tireless efforts for our university community and have no doubt she will have a similar positive impact in her new role at the University of the Sunshine Coast.”

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Federation University through such a significant period of change over the past three years.”

“It is very pleasing for me to have another opportunity to continue my passion for regional education and contribute to making a difference in my home state of Queensland.”