Vice Chancellor Rufus Black is appointed to a term without end

Chancellor Alison Watkins announces Professor Black is reappointed, “with no fixed end date.” His first five year contract expires in March.

“The opportunity to work with someone of Professor Black’s calibre and standing in the education sector was a big part of why I wanted to take on the role of chancellor,” Ms Watkins says.

Nor does the university council have much choice to back the VC, given the highest-stakes stoush in Hobart where there is no turning back from his plan to embed the university in the CBD.

The announcement also sends a signal to the Legislative Council inquiry into the university, (submissions have just closed) that the VC will backed. But lest anyone miss it, the chancellor adds, “The University Council supports and is committed to delivering the university’s strategy, which includes the consolidation in Hobart’s CBD and the expansion of access for students in regional areas.”