Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University, Professor Cliff Blake, has expressed deep sadness at the recent death of a special friend of the University and higher education generally in Australia, Justice Robert Hope.

"Justice Hope was an important supporter for higher education in NSW and Australia, championing the cause of regional institutions around the country during the hectic changes that occurred in the system during the 1970s and 80s," said Professor Blake.

"His intimate knowledge of the Australian legal system, his towering intellect, modesty and his good humour assisted immeasurably in the difficult negotiations that allowed the former Colleges of Advanced Education, including Charles Sturt University's predecessor organisations in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga, to attain university status.

"His fair mindedness and championing of people's rights were always a hallmark of Justice Hope's work."

Justice Hope was Chancellor of the University of Wollongong for 22 years, retiring in 1997. He began his role in higher education as a law lecturer at the University of Sydney during the 1960s.