Appointment of new Vice-Chancellor and President

The Chancellor of Southern Cross University, the Hon Justice John Dowd, has announced the appointment of Professor Paul Clark as the new Vice-Chancellor and President of the University.

Justice Dowd said he was delighted with the strong field of applicants that the University had attracted and the University was fortunate in securing a person of the calibre of Professor Clark to the position.

“Professor Clark has outstanding academic credentials and a very successful track record of achievement in senior leadership positions within the Australian University sector,’ Chancellor Dowd said.

“He is a physicist by discipline and a previous chair of the AVCC national committee of Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research). Professor Clark has also served as a director on several commercial boards and his considerable business acumen will be an asset to the University.”

Professor Clark is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, a position he has held for four years. Prior to this appointment, Professor Clark was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Higher Education) at Victoria University in Melbourne.

Justice Dowd noted that Professor Clark’s experience in working in regional universities would also be advantageous.

“Professor Clark not only understands the regional impact of the University, but recognises the need to work in close collaboration with the North Coast community.”


Justice Dowd said that he and the University community looked forward to welcoming Professor Paul Clark to the North Coast and to developing a strong personal working relationship with him in the years ahead.

Professor Clark is expected to commence in the position in late August 2004.

For further information contact:

Nigel Tapp (Communications Manager)
02 6620 3039 or 0418 431 484