Charles Sturt University (CSU) Chancellor Lawrie Willet, AO, today announced that Professor Ian Goulter would leave the position of Vice-Chancellor and President at the end of 2011.

 

Professor Goulter will remain at the helm of the University to roll out the new University Strategy approved by the Council for 2011-2015, including implementation of reforms to enhance the student experience; obtaining funding for CSU’s planned integrated rural medical program in Orange and Bathurst; and the introduction of the University’s new brand. The University Council will commence a search for a successor to Professor Goulter in early 2011.

 

“Ian was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University in July 2001 and has made a significant contribution to strengthening the University and expanding opportunities in rural and regional Australia,” said Chancellor Willett.

 

“When Ian commenced as Vice-Chancellor in 2001 we had total revenues of $194 million and a full-time staff of 1 460. By 2009 this had grown to $330 million in total revenue and more than        1 760 full-time staff.

 

“Ian’s strategic focus and leadership has laid the foundations for much of the growth we have seen across Charles Sturt University’s campuses over the last 10 years.

 

“Ian implemented the new greenfield campus in Albury-Wodonga which officially opened in 2009; a major refurbishment of teaching and learning facilities, and expansion of student residential accommodation, in Bathurst; construction of our new theology teaching and research facilities in Canberra; construction of a new clinical teaching facility in Dubbo; integration and expansion of the new Orange Campus; a major expansion of science and student residential infrastructure in Wagga Wagga; and, the establishment of our highly successful offshore campus in Ontario, Canada.

 

“Ian’s achievements include the new $60 million Veterinary Science program in Wagga Wagga which graduated its first students this year. Every single graduate of the program was employed in rural practice within a day of completion.

 

“Four years ago, Ian led our successful campaign for $65 million in federal funding to establish a new dental and oral health program based in Orange and Wagga Wagga with dental clinics in five locations serving rural NSW and Victoria.

 

“Reflecting the importance Ian placed on continuing to raise the academic research bar, the number of Professors and Associate Professors at Charles Sturt University has grown from 71 in 2001 to more than 120 today.

 

“During Ian’s tenure, the University further consolidated its research strengths in agriculture and wine science, while expanding into hydrology, food security and environment. The University established a new research centre to address critical issues in inland health in 2007, and is rapidly growing its national and international reputation in early years education and veterinary science research.

 

“The University has this year commenced construction of a state-of-the-art $50 million National Life Science research laboratory complex in Wagga Wagga that will significantly advance the University’s research capacity in biological and animal sciences.

 

“Ian introduced a strong focus on strategic planning and resource management to provide the capacity for the University not only to survive, but to grow rapidly in areas of strategic importance to rural and regional communities.

 

“Charles Sturt University is now the largest University in non-metropolitan Australia and has the largest geographic reach of any University in the country.  More importantly, it has reached into the lives of more than 120 000 students to give them opportunities they might not otherwise have had.

 

“The University Council noted the significant contribution of Professor Goulter to the growth and standing of the University, and expressed its sincere gratitude for his 10 years of service,” said Chancellor Willett.

 

“It has been a phenomenal 10 years at the University as it has made tremendous strides. I am proud to have been part of its success over this period,” Professor Goulter said. “I am looking forward to being part of its further success and progress during 2011.”

 

Professor Goulter will remain as Chief Executive Officer of the University until a new Vice-Chancellor is recruited.