Rebekha Brown commits to remain Interim VC of ANU until the end of 2026, “at least.” The former provost took over last week following the resignation of Genevieve Bell. Former VC Ian Chubb has also raised the role of the university council.
Professor Brown announced her intent Monday morning in an email that extended the conciliatory approach of her statement to an open staff meeting last Thursday.
Her appointment, “gives us time to get to know each other, work together on our shared priorities, and make thoughtful progress towards returning ANU to Australia’s number one university with the best student and staff experience.”
“While there is obviously much more to do, and many more people to meet, I have been overwhelmed with the support both internally and externally for ANU and their willingness to play a part in our future.,” she said Monday.
Professor Brown added she will meet with leadership groups to “refine a draft roadmap for our future,” which she will present at a staff meeting Thursday. “We will not have all the answers you might need on Thursday but what I commit to you is that we will keep you informed as to the direction as much as possible.”
Added to what happens next is when it happens. As provost, Professor Brown had charge of responding to the recent Nixon Review that reported on management mistreatment of junior staff and students over many years. She was quick to invite staff to express interest on joining working groups to advise on issues the Review raised, which would then go to an implementation steering group. ANU people may have to wait learn what will replace Bell’s discredited savings plan.
Former ANU VC Ian Chubb, intervened in the ANU imbroglio Monday, writing in the Canberra Times, that the university’s council is “under scrutiny and I have absolutely no doubt it should be.
“The governance review is critical. And some council members may be thinking of their position, he said.