The University of Newcastle has announced that its Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, will retire in February 2027 following more than eight years at the helm of the institution. Commencing as the university’s eighth Vice-Chancellor on 19 November 2018, Alex has led the tertiary provider through major academic restructuring, regional precinct expansions, and clean energy commercialisation initiatives.
During his tenure, the university introduced mandatory work-integrated learning placements across all undergraduate degree programs while expanding indigenous education pathways and equity admission frameworks. His term oversaw capital infrastructure investments across the region, including the construction of Q Building in Newcastle CBD, new facilities at Gosford Central and Gosford Hospital, expanded offshore operations in Singapore, and student accommodation developments currently under construction across the Newcastle CBD, Gosford CBD, and Callaghan campuses.
On the commercial front, Alex oversaw the establishment of the $280 million Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program in partnership with industry to support regional energy transition, alongside expanding the Integrated Innovation Network (i2N) incubator to support university spin-offs and start-up commercialisation. The institution currently enrols over 39,000 students and maintains a global alumni network exceeding 209,000 graduates. The University Council will commence a global search process shortly to select the institution’s next Vice-Chancellor.
Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Patricia Forsythe AM stated that the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership strengthened educational access and regional economic alignment.
“It has been a privilege to work with Vice-Chancellor Zelinsky – someone completely committed to students, staff and the communities we serve,” Patricia said.
“Professor Zelinsky has led the University with vision, energy and a steadfast commitment to excellence and we are forever grateful for his exceptional service. Under Professor Zelinsky’s leadership, the University has introduced work placement opportunities across all undergraduate degree programs, strengthening graduate employability, and has continued to build on the long legacy of being a national leader in educational equity and Indigenous education pathways.”
Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Barney Glover commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s contributions to regional higher education.
“The University of Newcastle has made remarkable progress in recent years in the challenging circumstances facing higher education in Australia,” Barney said.
“It is a world-class research-intensive regional university meeting the needs of a very diverse region and, in particular, providing educational pathways for equity and First Nations students. Professor Zelinsky is to be commended for this success and for his broader leadership across the sector.”
Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO added that he remains focused on executing strategic priorities through to his February retirement.
“It has been an enormous honour to lead the University of Newcastle and the communities we serve,” Alex said.
“Today we teach more than 39,000 students and have more than 209,000 alumni across the globe. We continue to welcome people from every walk of life to learn and grow and achieve their dreams. Leading the outstanding staff who deliver that kind of impact to people’s lives is both humbling and an enormous privilege. There is still much to achieve over the coming months, and I look forward to working with our students, staff, alumni, partners and supporters as we continue to build on the University’s strong foundations.”
IMAGE | University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO announces retirement
