Curtin University’s Council has announced that its Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM, will continue to lead the University through to 2031.
Curtin’s Chancellor, Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, said Professor Hayne’s reappointment for a further five years comes as Curtin continues to deliver strongly against its 2030 Strategic Plan even through challenging times.
“Under Professor Hayne’s exceptional values-led leadership, Curtin has further strengthened its global standing, forged impactful research and industry collaborations and launched bold initiatives that exemplify the University’s mission to make a difference,” Dr Guthrie said.
“From engaging with the Federal Government’s Universities Accord Review, to responding to the many changes and challenges to the university sector to attaining the highest employers’ satisfaction level for our graduates across all Australian universities and expanding our global footprint with Curtin Colombo, Professor Hayne has driven a strategy that is closely aligned to the current and future needs of our communities.
“In addition, Professor Hayne served as Chair of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), for the past two years representing Curtin and our peers nationally, where her steady hand and strong voice proved pivotal during a critical period for our sector. I am pleased she will continue to represent the sector through her recent appointment to the Universities Australia Board.
“Professor Hayne is also a highly respected and active researcher and educator, who continues to place students at Curtin’s core with an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional student experience to nurture career and life ready graduates.”
Professor Hayne said she was honoured to continue serving the Curtin community.
“I am most proud of how our students, staff and partners, embody this University’s defining features. It ensures that our ambitions and strategic imperatives remain forward-looking, coherent and targeted, but at the same time, bold and distinctive.
“In the years to come, we remain committed to educating the next generation so they have the skills, perspectives and capacity to lead and shape our future; engaging in research and driving the innovation that is so critical to our future economic and social prosperity; and enriching the communities in which we are embedded.
Dr Guthrie said the unanimous decision to extend Professor Hayne’s tenure reflects a shared confidence in her ability to guide Curtin through the next phase of growth.
“Curtin has a bold vision and an outstanding leader at the helm. This is an exciting chapter as we continue to look ever forward – for our students, our staff and for the communities we serve.”
Professor Hayne was appointed Vice-Chancellor at Curtin in April 2021, having previously been the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago in New Zealand. Her renewed tenure at Curtin begins in April 2026.
